Federal government to cut short study of bill to speed up resource project approvals
The federal government is defending its plans to push its internal trade and major projects bill through the House of Commons next week at a rapid clip.
Critics claim the move will evade much-needed scrutiny of a bill that would give cabinet sweeping powers to quickly approve selected major natural resource projects, such as oil pipelines.
Government House leader Steven MacKinnon has put a motion on notice that would push the bill through the House of Commons by the end of next week at an unusually swift pace — leaving just one day to hear from civil society groups, stakeholders and experts.
View image in full screen
Steve MacKinnon, Minister of Labour and Seniors rises during Question Period in Ottawa, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
When asked about the timeline at a press conference Thursday, Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson said the legislation needs to pass quickly to shore up an economy being undermined by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs.
Story continues below advertisement
'We have a trade war that is affecting sector after sector after sector. Canadians' jobs are at risk. Canadians' livelihoods are at risk. And quite frankly, the prosperity of the country is at risk,' Hodgson said.
Get daily National news
Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
'It is important that we start moving or we will find ourselves in an increasingly difficult situation from an economic perspective.'
But NDP MP Leah Gazan said before question period Thursday that the bill isn't going to build the economy out because it will trigger a series of court challenges. She called on the government to extend the study timeframe.
'I'm calling on the prime minister to slow it down, to not rush a bill that has this much consequence through in five days,' she said.
'It's irresponsible. We're in a crisis and this bill is going to make it worse.'
Story continues below advertisement
The legislation also looks to break down internal trade barriers and make it easier for workers to take jobs in other provinces.
MacKinnon rejected a call from the Bloc Québécois this week to split the landmark legislation in two — so the House could speed through the less contentious internal trade provisions while putting the controversial major projects portion under the microscope.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has vowed repeatedly to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers by Canada Day, 19 days from now.
The House is currently scheduled to rise on June 20.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Toronto Star
24 minutes ago
- Toronto Star
Charles Rangel's funeral mass draws big names who celebrated the late congressman's life
NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Bill Clinton, Gov. Kathy Hochul and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries remembered former U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel's sharp wit, relentless advocacy for Harlem and extraordinary life of public service during a funeral mass for the late congressman in Manhattan on Friday. Rangel, a pioneering congressman and veteran of the Korean War, died on May 26 the age of 94.
Cision Canada
an hour ago
- Cision Canada
Hearing Notice - CIRO to Hold a Settlement Hearing for Echelon Wealth Partners and Stephen Burns Français
TORONTO, June 13, 2025 /CNW/ - A hearing has been scheduled before a hearing panel of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) pursuant to the Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules to consider a settlement agreement between CIRO Enforcement Staff and Echelon Wealth Partners (Echelon) and Stephen Burns. The hearing will become open to the public if the panel accepts the settlement agreement. If the settlement agreement is accepted, the panel's decision and the settlement agreement will be made available at Settlement Hearing Date: June 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) Location: Toronto, Ontario (by videoconference) Members of the public, who would like to obtain further particulars, should fill out this form. The Notice of Motion announcing the settlement hearing is available at: Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. and Stephen Burns - Notice of Motion The alleged violations occurred while Stephen Burns was a Registered Representative with Echelon, where he is still employed in a registered capacity. Echelon has been a Dealer Member with CIRO and its predecessor since April 8, 2010. The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) is the national self-regulatory organization that oversees all investment dealers, mutual fund dealers and trading activity on Canada's debt and equity marketplaces. CIRO is committed to the protection of investors, providing efficient and consistent regulation, and building Canadians' trust in financial regulation and the people managing their investments. For more information, visit All information about disciplinary proceedings relating to current and former member firms and individual registrants under the Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules (for investment dealers), the Mutual Fund Dealer Rules (for mutual fund dealers) and the Universal Market Integrity Rules (UMIR) is available on CIRO's website. Background information regarding the qualifications and disciplinary history, if any, of advisors currently employed by CIRO-regulated investment firms is available free of charge through the AdvisorReport service. Information on how to make dealer, advisor or marketplace-related complaints is available by calling 1-877-442-4322. CIRO investigates possible misconduct by its member firms and individual registrants. It can bring disciplinary proceedings which may result in sanctions including fines, suspensions, permanent bars, expulsion from membership, or termination of rights and privileges for individuals and firms.
Cision Canada
2 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Canadians can apply for the Canada Disability Benefit on June
First payments to be issued in July GATINEAU, QC, June 13, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, announced that persons with disabilities will be able to apply for the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) as of June 20, 2025. First payments will begin in July 2025 for applications received and approved by June 30, 2025. Canadians will be able to apply through barrier-free, accessible ways: online, in person at a Service Canada office, or by phone. Persons with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 64 can apply for the benefit if they have qualified for the disability tax credit (DTC) and meet the benefit's other eligibility requirements, including having filed their 2024 income tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency. For those who have a spouse or common-law partner, their partner must also have filed their 2024 income tax return to be eligible. The federal government will send letters to eligible Canadians inviting them to apply. To support individuals with the application process, a number of community-based organizations across Canada will provide accessible, individualized navigation services to disability programs and benefits, including the DTC and CDB. Applicants can also now use the newly launched benefit estimator tool to find out how much they may qualify to receive each month. This new benefit reflects the federal government's commitment to improving financial security for Canadians living with disabilities. Quotes "With the Canada Disability Benefit application set to open on June 20, financial support will be delivered to working-age, low-income persons with disabilities starting next month. I want to extend my gratitude to disability advocates across the country who have worked tirelessly to help shape this historic benefit." – The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario "The Canada Disability Benefit is a critical step forward in our work to improve financial security for working age persons with disabilities. Too many Canadians continue to face barriers that limit their full participation in our society and economy. This benefit is about dignity, justice, and creating a more inclusive Canada — one where everyone has the chance to thrive." – Leslie Church, Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretaries of State for Labour, for Seniors, and for Children and Youth, and to the Minister of Jobs and Families (Persons with Disabilities) Quick facts The CDB is a cornerstone of the Government of Canada's Disability Inclusion Action Plan. With the first payments in July, the Canada Disability Benefit is being enshrined as part of Canada's social safety net. Budget 2024 committed to an investment of $6.1 billion over six years beginning in 2024-25, and $1.4 billion ongoing for the CDB, to provide a maximum of $2,400 per year to low-income persons with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 64. It is estimated that this benefit will increase the financial security of over 600,000 low-income persons with disabilities. In the spirit of "Nothing Without Us," the Government of Canada engaged with over 8,000 Canadians with disabilities, disability stakeholders, Indigenous governments and organizations, and provincial and territorial governments in the development of the benefit and will continue to seek their input for future improvements. Provinces and territories play a critical role in providing supports and services to Canadians with disabilities, and the government will continue to engage with them to understand how the CDB may interact with existing provincial and territorial income-tested programs, including disability programs and social assistance. Associated links Canada Disability Benefit Landmark Canada Disability Benefit legislation receives royal assent Disability tax credit Community-based disability benefits navigation services Canada's Disability Inclusion Action Plan ) SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
