The Project List got shorter. Jackfish still needs the November MOU
The Government of Canada announced September 9 amendments to the Physical Activities Regulations under the Impact Assessment Act. Ministers Dominic LeBlanc, Tim Hodgson, and Julie Dabrusin said in situ oil sands extraction facilities and fossil fuel-fired power plants are being removed from the federal Project List.
Ottawa said those facilities stay under applicable provincial and federal processes, including the Crown duty to consult Indigenous Peoples. The change is framed as keeping federal impact assessments on projects with the greatest potential effects in federal jurisdiction, after the Supreme Court reference on the Act.
Canadian Natural has kept medium and long-term oilsands growth projects on hold pending definitive agreements on the July trilateral memorandum of understanding, targeted for November 2026. Wednesday's Gazette step is a list change, not a construction permit for Jackfish or Pike 2.
Engagement ran May 8 to July 22. What We Heard reports were published with the announcement. The government said it intends to introduce further legislation this fall. Energy Minister Hodgson said the aim is raising competence, not lowering standards.
Neutral read
This is a Project List amendment dated September 9. Banks were skipped. Write it as a federal process change, not as an oilsands expansion approval. Watch the fall bill and whether the November MOU actually unlocks listed-producer growth projects.