9 hours ago
Liberals' major projects bill passes House of Commons with Conservative support
The Liberal government's major projects legislation passed in the House of Commons on Friday evening as MPs wrap up the spring parliamentary session.
Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act, essentially gives cabinet the ability to pick certain projects to speed through the regulatory process, with an eye to projects that can deliver an economic boost to Canada, help strengthen the country's autonomy and resilience, "advance the interests of Indigenous peoples" and contribute to "clean growth."
The legislation was a priority for Prime Minister Mark Carney who promised to "build big, build bold" during the spring election campaign.
Once a project is deemed in the national interest, the legislation would allow the government to skirt certain laws — such as the Impact Assessment Act — in order to get construction underway.
The legislation passed fairly quickly, having only been introduced earlier this month. The Conservatives supported the bill as a whole, while the NDP and Bloc Québécois backed a part of the bill that removes internal trade barriers.
