Federal Conservatives joined with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government Monday to advance a controversial major projects bill through the House of Commons, breaking typical partisan lines despite mounting opposition from Indigenous leaders and opposition parties.
The rare bipartisan cooperation came on a special procedural motion to push Bill C-5, dubbed the “One Canadian Economy Act,” through Parliament before lawmakers break for summer recess. The legislation aims to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers and fast-track major infrastructure projects.
The vote marked an unusual alliance between the traditionally adversarial parties on what critics are calling one of the most significant pieces of legislation in recent memory.
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The cooperation drew sharp criticism from Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, who called the rushed process a “new low” in government contempt for Parliament. “I haven’t seen anything like it since the Conservative government under Stephen Harper pushed an omnibus bill through more than a decade ago,” May said at a Monday morning news conference.
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak warned that Indigenous groups are considering legal challenges if the bill becomes law without proper consultation. “Nothing’s off the table,” Woodhouse Nepinak said, expressing concerns that the legislation could undermine Section 35 constitutional rights of Indigenous peoples.
Chiefs of Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict announced plans for a Tuesday afternoon rally outside Parliament. Environmental lawyer Anna Johnston from West Coast Environmental Law called the bill “an assault on science and democracy.”
The legislation contains two key elements: provisions to remove barriers between provinces for trade, services and labor mobility, alongside measures to expedite approval processes for major infrastructure projects. The government introduced the bill June 6 and wants approval before the summer parliamentary break.
The Bloc Québécois has announced it will vote against the bill, with critic Patrick Bonin describing it as granting the government “superpowers” unprecedented in environmental law history. Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith has said he would oppose the legislation without significant changes, suggesting cracks within the governing party’s support.
Senator Paul Prosper announced plans to introduce amendments to delay portions of the legislation, citing concerns about the speed of passage and level of consultation provided for major projects.
The government has said it is determined to pass the legislation before MPs leave Ottawa for the summer recess.
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