Ottawa's plan to ‘fast-track' infrastructure doesn't go far enough: Poilievre
OTTAWA – Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says the government's plan to circumvent the Impact Assessment Act to speed up key infrastructure projects doesn't go far enough.
Taking questions from reporters in Ottawa today, Poilievre wouldn't say whether his party will support the bill without reading it first.
The government is developing a 'national interest' bill to fast-track nation-building projects with a streamlined regulatory approval process as a substitute for reviews under the Impact Assessment Act.
Poilievre says that while that might get some projects moving, there are dozens of other projects that might not even come forward as long as the act itself remains in place.
Poilievre calls the Impact Assessment Act, also known as C-69, the 'worst approval system in the world' and frequently criticized it during the election campaign.
Prime Minister Mark Carney campaigned on a promise to push big projects forward swiftly, as Canada seeks to decouple its economy from an increasingly unpredictable and unreliable United States.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2025.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Toronto Sun
6 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
Ontario inks trade deals with Saskatchewan, Alberta ahead of meeting
Published Jun 01, 2025 • Last updated 0 minutes ago • 3 minute read Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, left, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford shake hands during a media event to sign a memorandum of understanding in Saskatoon on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Photo by Liam Richards / THE CANADIAN PRESS SASKATOON — Alberta and Saskatchewan signed agreements with Ontario on Sunday to remove trade barriers ahead of a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney to hash out a plan they hope will supercharge the economy. The memorandum of understanding between Saskatchewan and Ontario sees both provinces mutually recognize each other's goods, workers and investment, while a statement from the Alberta government says its MOU with Ontario aims to improve the free flow of goods and services between the two provinces. The Alberta statement also says the agreement will simplify requirements for regulated professions such as skilled trades, making it easier for professionals to work across provincial boundaries. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Both deals, which were signed in Saskatoon ahead of a first ministers meeting in the city Monday, pledge to advance measures that would see willing provinces allow the sale of alcohol directly to consumers. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the deals help grow provincial economies as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens more tariffs on Canadian steel. 'We're going to band together,' Ford said when talking about the agreement with Saskatchewan. 'We've never been attacked by any leader in the world like we have by President Trump. He doesn't give two hoots about Canada.' '(But) he's going to have a rude awakening. We're going to fight like we've never fought before.' It's Ford's latest deals with provinces to open trade, measures he says could unlock $200 billion in economic gains. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Alberta said its agreement with Ontario also welcomes the possibility of Ontario joining the New West Partnership Trade Agreement, which has worked to streamline regulations and standards across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. 'It's time to stop letting outdated rules hold us back and show Canadians what real economic leadership looks like,' Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said in a news release Sunday. Read More The premiers are meeting Monday with Carney to discuss major nation-building projects that could boost the economy. Ford said the prime minister needs to remove regulations to make it easier to build projects. That includes scrapping the Impact Assessment Act, he said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It all depends on the speed right now (in getting projects built),' Ford said. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said he's hoping for a port-to-port corridor in Western Canada to ship more goods out of northern B.C. and Hudson Bay in northern Manitoba. 'It's the largest single opportunity that I've seen in my lifetime,' Moe said. 'All we need to do is come together, and then stand by side by side and defend the opportunities we have from a trade perspective. Defend them like hell.' Building more oil and gas pipelines must be part of Canada's future, Moe added. 'If we truly are going to become the strongest economy in the G7 nations, if we truly are going to become a global energy superpower, it means we need to open up the opportunity for all of our industries,' Moe said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I think (Carney) is aware that there's a feeling of alienation in certain areas of the nation.' RECOMMENDED VIDEO Both Alberta and Saskatchewan have long had grievances with former prime minister Justin Trudeau, who they say made it difficult for the industry to build energy projects. Smith has said more pipelines are the only way to get more products to market efficiently and without one, there could be a national unity crisis. She has called on Carney to scrap the oil and gas emissions cap and clean electricity regulations, repeal industrial carbon pricing and overhaul regulations. But getting a pipeline through Quebec might be difficult. The province had opposed the former Energy East oil pipeline from Alberta and rejected the GNL Quebec project in Saguenay in 2021. However, Quebec Premier Francois Legault said last month he's open to some projects. Ford said all provinces must be on the same page for any pipeline to move forward. 'I hope (Legault) is going to bring a pipeline through,' he said. 'Last time I checked, Quebecers drive cars, they need gas.' Editorial Cartoons World Toronto & GTA Sports Columnists
Toronto Sun
6 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
Ontario, Saskatchewan sign agreement to boost trade ahead of PM meeting
Published Jun 01, 2025 • 2 minute read Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, left, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford shake hands during a media event to sign a memorandum of understanding in Saskatoon on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Photo by Liam Richards / THE CANADIAN PRESS SASKATOON — Ontario and Saskatchewan signed an agreement Sunday to remove trade barriers ahead of a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney to hash out a plan they hope will supercharge the economy. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The memorandum of understanding sees both provinces mutually recognize each other's goods, workers and investment. They are also working to advance measures that would see willing provinces allow the sale of alcohol directly to consumers. Ontario Premier Doug Ford told reporters the move helps grow provincial economies as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens more tariffs on Canadian steel. 'We're going to band together,' Ford said. 'We've never been attacked by any leader in the world like we have by President Trump. He doesn't give two hoots about Canada. '(But) he's going to have a rude awakening. We're going to fight like we've never fought before.' It's Ford's latest deal with a province to open trade, measures he says could unlock $200 billion in economic gains. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Read More The premiers are meeting Monday with Carney to discuss major nation-building projects that could boost the economy. Ford said the prime minister needs to remove regulations to make it easier to build projects. That includes scrapping the Impact Assessment Act, he said. 'It all depends on the speed right now (in getting projects built),' Ford said. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said he's hoping for a port-to-port corridor in Western Canada to ship more goods out of northern B.C. and Hudson Bay in northern Manitoba. 'It's the largest single opportunity that I've seen in my lifetime,' Moe said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'All we need to do is come together, and then stand by side by side and defend the opportunities we have from a trade perspective. Defend them like hell.' Building more oil and gas pipelines must be part of Canada's future, Moe added. 'If we truly are going to become the strongest economy in the G7 nations, if we truly are going to become a global energy superpower, it means we need to open up the opportunity for all of our industries,' Moe said. 'I think (Carney) is aware that there's a feeling of alienation in certain areas of the nation.' RECOMMENDED VIDEO Both Alberta and Saskatchewan have long had grievances with former prime minister Justin Trudeau, who they say made it difficult for the industry to build energy projects. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said more pipelines are the only way to get more products to market efficiently and without one, there could be a national unity crisis. She has called on Carney to scrap the oil and gas emissions cap and clean electricity regulations, repeal industrial carbon pricing and overhaul regulations. But getting a pipeline through Quebec might be difficult. The province had opposed the former Energy East oil pipeline from Alberta and rejected the GNL Quebec project in Saguenay in 2021. However, Quebec Premier Francois Legault said last month he's open to some projects. Ford said all provinces must be on the same page for any pipeline to move forward. 'I hope (Legault) is going to bring a pipeline through,' he said. 'Last time I checked, Quebecers drive cars, they need gas.' Editorial Cartoons World Toronto & GTA Sports Columnists
Toronto Star
6 hours ago
- Toronto Star
Who is Marc-André Blanchard? PM Mark Carney's new chief of staff comes from the worlds of law, diplomacy
As his new government enters its fifth week, Prime Minister Mark Carney continued to build out his inner circle Sunday, naming diplomat and lawyer Marc-André Blanchard as his chief of staff starting in July. In a statement posted to the social media platform X, Carney called Blanchard 'one of Canada's most accomplished builders, legal experts, executives, public servants, and diplomats.' Here's everything you need to know about the prime minister's new top aide. What is Blanchard's educational and professional background? Much like the prime minister he will serve, Blanchard graduated from some of the world's most elite universities; he holds degrees from the London School of Economics, Université de Montréal and Columbia University. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW A lawyer by trade, Blanchard, 59, spent six years as the chair and CEO of McCarthy Tétrault, a business law firm based in Toronto. He most recently served as the executive vice-president for CDPQ Global, a Quebec-based investment firm. He is still a member of the Quebec bar, according to the body's directory, where his area of law is listed as 'international.' Does he have experience in government? Yes, Blanchard served as Canada's ambassador to the United Nations from 2016 to 2020. The announcement of his ascension to the post received little fanfare at the time, seeing as it was made the same day as David MacNaughton's appointment to be Canada's ambassador to the United States. The UN post has a history of being held by prominent Canadian political figures; former Ontario premier Bob Rae succeeded Blanchard in the job, and Stephen Lewis and longtime Jean Chrétien cabinet minister Allan Rock have also represented Canada at the UN. Federal Politics Former UN ambassador Marc-André Blanchard named chief of staff to Mark Carney Elissa Mendes In addition, Blanchard sat on Canada's North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Council alongside one-time opposition leader Rona Ambrose and Stephen Harper-era cabinet minister James Moore, among others. How are other public officials and politicians reacting to the news? Lisa Raitt, a three-term Conservative MP who once served as Canada's labour minister, said on X that she is a 'BIG fan of this appointment,' thanking Blanchard for 'coming back once again to serve Canada.' Ambrose, likewise, called the appointment an 'excellent choice.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Meanwhile, former Liberal MP and transport minister Omar Alghabra called it a 'well-deserved appointment,' while longtime Liberal party fixture Penny Collenette said that Blanchard and Carney form 'a powerful duo' that puts Canada 'in supreme hands.' Who else was considered for the role? The Star previously reported that former Trudeau senior adviser Mathieu Bouchard, who also served as chief of staff to the heritage minister, was in conversations for the position. The Globe and Mail reported that Trudeau aide and adviser Gerald Butts declined to take the job after being approached. Who are other notable chiefs of staff? Federal Politics Carney government recognizes 'there's no time to waste' on new housing, Olivia Chow says Mayor Olivia Chow says she is refreshed by the urgency with which the Mark Carney government is tackling the housing crisis. Federal Politics Carney government recognizes 'there's no time to waste' on new housing, Olivia Chow says Mayor Olivia Chow says she is refreshed by the urgency with which the Mark Carney government is tackling the housing crisis. Though perhaps not as glamorous and recognizable as the White House chief of staff in the U.S., a number of notable names have served in the position, including now-Senator Percy Downe and longtime Quebec City mayor Jean Pelletier. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's chief of staff, Katie Telford, for instance, was seen as one of the most important figures in the Liberal government. In describing her influence on the government's strategy and operations, the Star's Susan Delacourt observed in 2023 that no chief of staff had travelled with a prime minister as much as she had during the 10 years she spent in the role. Carney's outgoing chief of staff, Marco Mendicino, served three terms in the House of Commons representing Eglinton-Lawrence and had two different cabinet appointments in the Trudeau government. The Star recently reported that Mendicino is considering a run for mayor of Toronto in next year's mayoral election. With files from The Canadian Press. Politics Headlines Newsletter Get the latest news and unmatched insights in your inbox every evening Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. Please enter a valid email address. Sign Up Yes, I'd also like to receive customized content suggestions and promotional messages from the Star. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Politics Headlines Newsletter You're signed up! You'll start getting Politics Headlines in your inbox soon. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
