Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz says the government's responsible resource development plan will focus strongly on the environment.

Ritz was in town today (Mon), outlining the new plan that will see a single review process from the provinces, and cancelling the federal environmental assessment.

Ritz says that will reduce duplication, and make project reviews more timely and predictable. He says the plan will also enhance Aboriginal consultations.

The Conservative Party has come under fire from opposition parties and environmental groups on the new plan, saying they are disregarding the environment.

Ritz says Canada already has a set of rigorous environmental laws, and this resource development plan's main goal is to speed up project approvals.

[ED Jun 4/12]