PM Carney’s Bill C-5 to speed up major infrastructure projects nears approval amid Indigenous concerns over consultation and legal safeguards.
Bold Infrastructure Vision Advances
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s flagship infrastructure legislation, Bill C-5 — the One Canadian Economy Act — is poised to pass in the House of Commons this week. Central to his election promise to “build big, build bold,” the bill enables the federal cabinet to fast-track select major projects by streamlining regulatory approvals.
Aimed at Economic Resilience
Carney and his cabinet argue the legislation is essential to boosting Canada’s economic autonomy and resilience, particularly during global trade tensions. Speaking at an event on Thursday focused on protecting Canada’s steel and aluminum industries, Carney emphasized that these “nation-building” projects—such as energy corridors, ports, mines, and clean energy grids—are critical to Canada’s domestic response to U.S. tariffs.
Conservative Support with Conditions
While the bill is expected to pass with Conservative backing, MPs across the aisle introduced amendments to increase transparency. One key Conservative proposal would require fast-tracked projects to comply with laws like the Conflict of Interest Act and the Lobbying Act. This, the party says, prevents the cabinet from approving projects that could directly benefit its members without adequate oversight.
Indigenous Concerns Over Consultation
Despite language in the bill pledging to recognize and respect Indigenous rights, several Indigenous leaders remain skeptical. Their primary concern is the expedited two-year approval timeline, which they say may leave insufficient room for meaningful consultation with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. Mi’kmaw senator Paul Prosper has vowed to introduce a Senate amendment to address these concerns, warning of potential litigation if Indigenous voices are sidelined.
Split Voices Within Indigenous Communities
While some Indigenous leaders oppose the bill, others support it for the economic opportunities it could bring. Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon noted that many Indigenous communities are eager to partner on development and take equity stakes in projects. Carney echoed that sentiment, stating, “Consultation, co-operation, engagement, participation is at the heart of C-5.”
Senate Decision Looms
With the Senate expected to vote on Bill C-5 next week before the summer recess, its final passage is likely, despite efforts to delay or amend it. Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation urged the Governor General to intervene before royal assent is granted—a move widely seen as constitutionally unlikely.
As the federal government balances economic urgency with Indigenous rights, the passage of Bill C-5 marks a defining moment for Carney’s nation-building agenda. Whether the legislation delivers shared prosperity or deepens mistrust may depend on how it is implemented.
For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.
