The Anchor Loop project crossed federal, provincial and private lands, in addition to the provincial boundary between Alberta and British Columbia. The project required a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity under section 52 of the National Energy Board Act. The project subsequently required review under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (more commonly known as the CEA Act) as well as other federal approvals or authorizations including:

• Permission from Parks Canada, pursuant to the Canada National Parks Act,for those parts of the project within Jasper National Park
• Authorization by the (federal) Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), pursuant to subsection 35(2) of the Fisheries Act
• Approval by the (federal) Minister of Transport Canada, pursuant to subsection 5(1) of the Navigable Waters Protection Act or subsection 108(2) of the National Energy Board Act

Since much of the expansion project was located within Jasper National Park, Parks Canada was the lead Responsible Authority under the CEA Act. Other departments and agencies also designated as Responsible Authorities included the National Energy Board, the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Transport Canada. Environment Canada, Health Canada and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada also provided expert advice to the other federal authorities.