The House of Commons passed the Liberals’ Building Canada Strong Act, Bill C-39, at second reading Thursday by 296 to 26, with 10 paired. The Conservatives voted with the government, while the Bloc Québécois, NDP and Greens voted against. A special committee will examine the bill next.
Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon sponsors the 243-page omnibus bill. It requires federal decisions on projects within a year and carves out national-interest zones where some projects are approved in advance. It also covers trade corridors, ports and rail, and changes the Canada Labour Code.
The labour changes target section 107, the power the labour minister uses to end strikes and lockouts. The Liberals have used it to force workers back in port, rail and airline disputes. The bill adds a special mediator and a national-interest test. Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu says the changes limit the minister’s power. Unions say they leave too much to a cabinet minister’s judgment.
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Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says his party will propose amendments but hasn’t named them. He said they would “protect workers, their jobs, their rights.”
NDP Leader Avi Lewis wants the bill dropped. He says it undermines strike rights and doesn’t meet the government’s obligation to consult Indigenous communities. Green Leader Elizabeth May warned that the bill, like Bill C-5 last year, gives ministers wide discretion. Bloc MP Christine Normandin compared the national-interest exemptions to US President Donald Trump bypassing Congress.
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak warned Ottawa not to misuse its majority, saying any curbs on required consultation could touch First Nations rights. The Canadian Labour Congress argues the provisions endanger the right to strike. Its president, Bea Bruske, pointed to a letter from the International Trade Union Confederation that calls the rules “highly likely to violate” Canada’s international labour obligations. CUPE says it will support locals that defy back-to-work orders.
Read: Employers Back Bill C-39 but Want Carney to Go Further On Strike Powers
Business groups say the bill falls short of preventing work stoppages.
