The Canadian Senate passed controversial legislation Thursday giving the federal government sweeping powers to fast-track major infrastructure and energy projects deemed in the national interest. The bill's passage marks a legislative victory for Prime Minister Mark Carney, who campaigned on promises to "build big, build bold."
Bill C-5, known as the One Canadian Economy Act, now heads to the Governor General for royal assent after clearing both chambers of Parliament. The legislation empowers cabinet to designate projects that can bypass certain regulatory processes, including environmental assessments, with the goal of reducing approval timelines from five years to two.
The bill moved through Parliament at unusual speed, introduced only three weeks ago and passing the House of Commons on June 20 with rare Conservative support1. Senate Government Representative Marc Gold had pressed for passage this week without amendments, though he acknowledged uncertainty given the upper chamber's increased independence2.
Environmental groups and legal organizations had urged senators to amend the legislation, arguing it "threatens to undermine constitutional principles, erode democratic accountability, and jeopardize environmental protection and Indigenous rights," according to a joint statement from Environmental Defence and nine other organizations3.
First Nations leaders mounted the strongest opposition, with some calling on Governor General Mary Simon to intervene1. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said First Nations "stand united" and "aspire for prosperity, but not at the cost of our rights"1.
According to a new Angus Reid Institute poll released Thursday, while three-quarters of Canadians support fast-tracking major projects, nearly half oppose bypassing environmental reviews2. The survey found Liberal voters more likely to oppose cutting environmental assessments at 60 percent, while 59 percent of Conservative voters support removing such requirements2.
The legislation responds to trade conflicts with the United States under President Donald Trump's administration1. Part one removes federal barriers to interprovincial trade, while part two creates the Building Canada Act establishing streamlined approvals for "national interest projects"2.
Business groups welcomed the bill, with the Business Council of Canada calling it "a positive step" that "responds directly to the business community's longstanding calls for the permanent removal of internal trade barriers"3.
The government has not specified which projects would qualify for fast-tracking, though Carney has indicated support for new energy corridors, pipelines, electrical grids, and mining operations4. The legislation includes a five-year sunset clause requiring parliamentary renewal5.
