Canada’s House of Commons passed sweeping legislation June 20 that would streamline approval processes for major infrastructure projects and remove interprovincial trade barriers, despite fierce opposition from Indigenous groups and environmental organizations.
Bill C-5, known as the “One Canadian Economy Act,” passed with the rare Liberal and Conservative support after two weeks of parliamentary debate. The Bloc Québécois and NDP opposed the bill, citing federal overreach and inadequate Indigenous consultation.
Read: Conservatives Vote With Liberals to Fast-Track Major Projects Bill
The legislation has two main components: removing federal barriers to interprovincial trade and labor mobility, and allowing the federal government to fast-track projects deemed in the “national interest” by bypassing traditional environmental and regulatory reviews.
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government framed the legislation as essential for Canada’s economic competitiveness, particularly in response to US trade pressures. The Building Canada Act portion would allow a single federal minister to approve major projects and override existing regulatory protections.
The rapid legislative process drew sharp criticism. The Chiefs of Ontario organized a rally on Parliament Hill Tuesday, condemning what they called an “undemocratic process” that contradicts Canada’s UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
“Every parliamentarian should ask themselves if they are willing to give this or any future cabinet the unchecked authority to bypass the laws and rights that define Canada,” said Regional Chief Benedict during the protest.
Environmental law organization Ecojustice strongly criticized the legislation, warning it could permit environmental damage that federal regulations would typically block.
Indigenous leaders said they received less than a week to review the bill’s framework before Parliament moved toward passage.
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