Full Breakdown
Canada’s Government Prepares “Building Canada Strong Act” to Accelerate Project Reviews
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Legislative Push: Building Canada Strong Act
Prime Minister Mark Carney told Liberal MPs that the government will table a new bill this fall called the Building Canada Strong Act. The bill will expand the scope of fast-track assessments beyond projects already covered by the Major Projects Office established under the earlier Building Canada Act.
Background and Recent Momentum
The current framework for major-project reviews is the Impact Assessment Act (Bill C-69), enacted in 2019. Energy-sector groups, the Alberta government, and the Conservative Party have criticized that law for slowing oil and gas development. Earlier this month the government adjusted parts of the Act through regulation and released a consultation report on broader reform. Carney’s agenda also includes a major new tax deduction, plans to open four major airports to private investment, and a forthcoming social-media and AI regulation bill. The Liberal caucus recently added three new members after August by-elections, bringing the party’s seat count to 173 in the House of Commons, a slim majority.
Official Statements & Responses
He argued that faster project decisions will give Canada a “predictability…competitive advantage.” Both leaders declined to provide detailed provisions before the bill is tabled.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Canada will always be a country of high standards, but high standards do not mean decisions have to be slow,” — Mr. Carney, prime minister
- “This would work across the economy in the federally regulated sectors to make sure that we’re able to attract investment, create jobs and trade with the world,” — Mr. MacKinnon
What’s Next
The Building Canada Strong Act is slated for introduction during the fall parliamentary session. The government also intends to move forward with the social-media/AI regulation bill and the airport-privatization plan before the session ends.