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The strategy calls for reduction in federal environmental oversight of natural resource developments and other projects by consolidating assessments, eliminating reviews for small projects and handing more regulatory responsibility to the provinces.

The measures require amendments to several long-standing and important pieces of Canadian Environmental legislation, including Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA), Fisheries Act, and others. The amendments, which have not yet been tabled before Canadian Parliament, will limit participation in future CEAA regulatory hearings to those people "directly affected" by projects, and limit CEEA reviews to: 24 months for panel reviews of major projects and 12 months for standard environmental assessments. The Government has indicated that these time limits will retroactively apply to projects already under review such as the Enbridge Northern Gateway bitumen pipeline project.

First Nations and environmental groups have heavily criticized the government's "Responsible Resource Development Strategy."

"Fundamental changes to the environmental assessment process and other environmental protection laws can only be undertaken with meaningful consultation with First Nations. We urge the federal governmental to work with First Nations to improve environmental protections rather then weaken them with the arbitrary assessment timelines and the loss of government organizations responsible for such reviews," wrote several First Nations leaders in an open letter to the Canadian Minister of Natural Resources Joe Oliver.

"With the proposed changes to the federal environmental review process, Canadians will get weaker, less-informed decision-making, sloppy environmental protection by resource developers, and an increased likelihood of environmental impacts," said Simon Dyer, policy director at the Pembina Institute.

"Instead of fast-tracking projects and circumventing environmental concerns, the federal government should work with the province (Ontarios) to develop an approach to resource development that recognizes and respects the rights and interests of First Nations," said Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose.