Full Breakdown
Mark Carney’s Government Launches Sweeping Legislative Agenda
By Drooid · · How we work
Major Economic Bill Introduced
The Liberal government will debut the Building Canada Strong Act, a bill that would require a single federal review and a decision on major projects within one year. In the same session, the government plans to extend the federal gas-tax break, advance the lawful-access Bill C-22, introduce the Safe Social Media Act (Bill C-34) that would ban users under 16 and label AI-generated content, and move forward with Bills C-35 (forced-labour import bans), C-36 (privacy and AI safeguards), C-37 (safe drinking water for First Nations), and a proposal to expand medical assistance in dying to mental-illness-only cases.
Background and Consultation
Earlier in the year the government conducted consultations and issued four reports summarising feedback on the proposed changes. It says the drafts were adjusted in response to that input, though the summaries note pushback from Indigenous leaders and labour unions. The Canadian Labour Congress warned that parts of the plan could curb collective-bargaining power and enable federal intervention to end strikes and lockouts.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Mark Carney described the Building Canada Strong Act as “the most consequential economic legislation” of the parliamentary session and emphasized that it will give certainty to investors and communities. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre released an open letter urging the government to simplify the tax code, repeal development laws that delay projects, and improve immigration and public-safety policies.
Criticism and Opposition
The Canadian Labour Congress expressed concern that the bill could limit bargaining rights and encourage federal overrides of labour disputes. Indigenous leaders, while not quoted directly, are noted as having raised objections during the consultation process. Civil-liberties advocates and major tech firms—including Google, Apple and Meta—have criticized Bill C-22 for threatening encryption, privacy and cybersecurity. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree approved amendments in June intended to address those concerns, though opposition remains.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Canadians are not pawns on a global chessboard,” — Mr. Poilievre