Carney’s major projects bill passed. Now he says ‘the real work begins’

Now that Bill C-5 has been passed and is the law of the land, Prime Minister Mark Carney is gearing up to fast-track major projects across the country. The second half of the bill, known as the Building Canada Act, grants the federal cabinet the authority to select projects deemed to be in the national interest, approve them upfront, and bypass federal laws, environmental reviews, and the permitting process.

While some critics have raised concerns about the potential weakening of environmental protections, constitutional rights, and democracy, Carney is focused on jumpstarting the economy and combating the economic threats posed by U.S. President Donald Trump to key Canadian industries. The government has not yet disclosed which projects will be prioritized for fast-tracking.

Sources reveal that cabinet ministers will be meeting behind closed doors over the summer to implement Carney’s infrastructure goals. Ministers will be engaging with provinces, territories, and Indigenous proponents to identify projects that align with the criteria outlined in the act.

Jay Khosla, a former senior official in Natural Resources Canada and the Privy Council Office, emphasizes the need for urgent action to address Canada’s lagging economic growth. He points to numerous stalled projects, such as mineral mines in Ontario, oil and gas production in Newfoundland, and transmission lines for renewable energy, as examples of untapped potential.

Addressing Indigenous constitutional rights has emerged as a key focus for the government, following criticism from First Nations leaders about the rushed passage of the bill. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak has called for improved consultation and dialogue with Indigenous communities. However, not all Indigenous groups oppose resource development, with projects like the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link in Nunavut seeking to connect communities to Manitoba’s power grid and high-speed internet.

Carney is set to host summits with Indigenous leaders in Ottawa to identify priority projects and ensure meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities. The government’s next steps will involve carefully selecting projects, monitoring progress, and dismantling regulatory hurdles to kickstart economic growth and development across the country.