Canada passes Bill C‑5 to fast-track major projects. PM Mark Carney says “the real work begins” amid debate over environmental protections and Indigenous rights.
Landmark Legislation Clears Parliament
Canada’s Parliament passed Bill C-5, the much-anticipated infrastructure law championed by Prime Minister Mark Carney, just before the summer recess. Framed as a national urgency measure, the bill allows the federal cabinet to approve projects of “national interest,” bypassing conventional environmental reviews and federal permitting laws.
What the Bill Enables
The second half of the bill, known as the Building Canada Act, gives the cabinet sweeping authority to designate and expedite major infrastructure projects. This move, Carney insists, is critical to shielding Canadian industries—especially steel, auto, and natural resources—from economic threats posed by a potential return of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Summer Planning Underway
While no projects have yet been officially named, Crown and Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty confirmed that ministerial consultations with provinces, territories, and Indigenous groups are taking place over the summer. Carney, speaking after the bill’s passage, said, “The real work begins now.”
Pushback from Critics
Despite support from both Liberal and Conservative MPs, Bill C‑5 faces sharp criticism from environmentalists and Indigenous leaders. Critics argue it weakens protections, bypasses public consultation, and undermines constitutional rights. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak criticized the government for pushing the bill through while many communities were dealing with wildfires.
Industry Voices Call for Speed
Policy experts say Canada’s sluggish project pipeline has long hampered growth. Jay Khosla, former senior official at Natural Resources Canada, said Canada is stuck in “the slow lane” due to a bloated regulatory process. He urged the federal cabinet to promptly release a list of approved projects and eliminate red tape to keep up the momentum.
Indigenous Projects in the Spotlight
Not all Indigenous voices oppose development. One major project—the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link—is led by the Inuit-owned Nukik Corporation. It seeks to connect remote Nunavut communities to Manitoba’s power grid and broadband network. CEO Anne-Raphaëlle Audouin said, “We’re ready to go. We’ve been ready for years.”
What Comes Next
Carney will begin hosting project summits in Ottawa starting July 17 with First Nations leaders, in what he calls “the first step” in identifying top-priority builds. Experts and stakeholders now await the release of a national project list and clarity on how rights, risks, and results will be balanced going forward.
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