Liberals reject Bloc Québécois push to divide Bill C-5, aiming to pass major reforms on interprovincial trade and infrastructure approvals together this summer.
Government Holds Firm on Single Bill Strategy
The federal Liberal government is refusing demands from the Bloc Québécois to divide its flagship legislation, Bill C-5, into two separate parts. Introduced last Friday, the bill aims to reduce internal trade barriers and overhaul the approval process for major national projects. Despite pressure to expedite the trade portion independently, the Liberals are keeping the bill intact, citing economic urgency and a unified legislative agenda.
Bloc Pushes for Split Review Process
At a press conference on Monday, Bloc Québécois deputy leader Christine Normandin argued that the trade section of the bill could gain swift, cross-party support and be fast-tracked through the House of Commons. She proposed separating the project review provisions for further scrutiny by the environmental committee, rather than the bill’s current routing to the transport committee. However, the government declined the proposal.
Liberal Leadership Defends Unified Approach
Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon stated Wednesday that the legislation’s dual aims—freeing interprovincial trade and expediting nationally significant infrastructure—are too interconnected to separate. “This is a bill that mobilizes Canadians behind projects of national importance,” MacKinnon said before a caucus meeting, adding that the bill responds to ongoing economic pressures, including fallout from global tariff disputes.
Major Projects to Be Fast-Tracked
If passed, Bill C-5 would empower the federal government to identify and fast-track major projects deemed in the national interest. The criteria include project viability, Indigenous engagement, national resilience, and environmental responsibility. A new federal office would oversee approvals, aiming to reduce the current five-year timeline to just two. The intergovernmental affairs minister would be given final authority on permits.
Environmental Groups Raise Concerns
Environmental organizations, including Greenpeace Canada, have voiced strong opposition to the legislation’s accelerated timelines, warning that the streamlined process could compromise environmental safeguards. Critics argue that bypassing thorough environmental assessments for the sake of speed could have long-term consequences for sustainability and Indigenous rights.
Political Support Remains Uncertain
With a minority in the House of Commons, the Liberals will need at least four MPs from other parties to support the bill. No formal coalition exists, and opposition responses have been mixed. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has expressed interest in speeding up project approvals but has also called for amendments that push the bill even further. As of Wednesday, his party had not announced a formal position.
Clock Ticking on Summer Break
Prime Minister Mark Carney has hinted he may extend the House’s sitting beyond its scheduled June 21 adjournment to ensure the bill passes. However, MacKinnon confirmed on Wednesday that the government has not yet sought cross-party agreement to delay the summer recess. The final weeks of this session could determine the fate of Bill C-5—and the pace of Canada’s next wave of economic development.
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