BC Business community hails changes - Environmentalists concerned

A major streamlining of the way big industrial projects are reviewed in this country is being hailed by the business community, but panned by environmental groups.  There are now only 3 agencies in charge of vetting major projects where there used to be 37.  The federal government has lifted a requirement for separate federal and provincial reviews of the same project.

    B-C's Business Council says the changes will be good for the nation's economic agenda, removing impediments holding up sustainable, responsible development of Canada's resource industry.

    However environment groups like the Wilderness Committee couldn't disagree more. Gwen Barlee says the removal of vital safeguards is "reckless and irresponsible''.  She predicts it will now be easier for potentially-harmful projects to get the nod.