While the Privy Council Office will take a few months to deliver a report on the engagement period for the proposed project-review reforms, the first wave of feedback made it clear people are engaged with the issue, according to a government source with knowledge of the matter.

iPolitics is not naming them as they were not authorized to speak publicly.

The government initially believed it could introduce legislation just as the parliamentary sitting came to an end.

But the thousands of comments submitted during the 30-day engagement period showed there was “a lot of appetite” for more consultation, said the source.

Some of the proposed changes include a one-year limit on federal project decisions, a new consultation hub for Indigenous groups, and the creation of ‘special economic zones’ where projects are pre-approved. 

READ MORE: Feds propose major overhaul of project assessment process

The feedback mirrored concerns raised in media coverage, particularly regarding potential environmental impacts.

Several environmental groups travelled to Parliament Hill on Wednesday, a day before the extension of the consultation period was announced.

They came to “draw a line in the sand,” declaring the Carney government had “gone too far with its rollback of environmental protections and climate policies.”

Ecojustice Director Kimberly Shearon urged Prime Minister Carney to “abandon any legislation that would sacrifice the environment and climate at the altar of political convenience.”

The government source said the reforms would apply to all projects and affect different groups in different ways, and “they have to be done right.”

Feedback from industry players showed various sectors largely supported the proposed changes, though some did not want to see legislation rushed through at all costs. 

“From industry’s perspective, the priority remains a stable, streamlined and predictable regulatory framework that provides clear pathways for the future,” writes the head of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, Lisa Baiton, in response to questions from iPolitics.

“While we must continue to reduce red tape and streamline approvals processes, we agree it is incredibly important to take the necessary time to get this right.” 

READ MORE: Experts warn of risk and potentially costly trade-offs in Carney’s reform plan

Last week, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced the consultation period would extend to July 22, 2026, giving the public 75 days to respond to the discussion paper released in early May. 

Consultations on formal legislation typically last 30 to 90 days, but this engagement focuses on a discussion paper, and so the government is routing its feedback through its “One Canadian Economy” page instead of the usual consultation portal.

For these consultations, participants are asked to weigh in on several questions, including their overall impressions of the plan and how the proposed changes intersect with Indigenous rights. They are asked to email their responses to the Privy Council Office. 

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak previously told iPolitics her organization is calling for an in-depth House committee study of the proposed changes, with opportunities for Indigenous groups to appear as witnesses to voice concerns.