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Legislative Committee Fast-Tracks Bill C-39, Canada’s Latest Major-Projects Bill
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Legislative Committee Fast-Tracks Bill C-39
The Liberal government has moved Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, to a specially created legislative committee—a procedure last employed in 2012. The 243-page omnibus bill amends or references 24 separate acts and regulations and is intended to accelerate development projects while averting labour disruptions.
Historical Use of Legislative Committees
Legislative committees are rare, formed only when the government wishes to expedite a bill. They were used in 2000 for the Clarity Act, in 2005 for the Civil Marriage Act, in 2006 for the Federal Accountability Act, and in 2011-12 for the Copyright Modernization Act (Bill C-11) and the Wheat Board reform (Bill C-18). Across the Harper era, such committees were convened 11 times; the Liberals last employed the tool in 2005.
Official Government Position
Steven MacKinnon said the committee will allow MPs to focus on a bill that “protects jobs” and “creates investment in our communities.” Prime Minister Mark Carney added that Bill C-39 will reinforce employers’ responsibility to “negotiate in good faith” and increase transparency around labour negotiations. The government argues the approach avoids splitting the bill into multiple pieces and speeds delivery of promised infrastructure.
Opposition and Criticism
Organized labour, environmental groups, and the Assembly of First Nations have voiced concerns that the bill weakens consultation practices, dilutes impact-assessment standards, and alters the Labour Code. Critics warn that fast-tracking could limit meaningful review and marginalize affected communities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I would say that the motivation for doing it this particular way was to have a committee that would devote itself to this entire bill,” — Steven MacKinnon, Government House Leader
- “We are going to take the time to scrutinize the legislation and look for pieces in the legislation that we can improve. Once it gets to that legislative committee, we are going to propose the amendments necessary to actually get shovels in the ground instead of promises into people's pockets,” — Melissa Lantsman, Conservative Deputy Leader