Liberals table bill to cut trade barriers, speed up ‘nation-building’ infrastructure

The new legislation introduced by the Liberal government aims to eliminate federal barriers to internal trade and expedite the approval process for nation-building infrastructure projects. Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that this bill, known as the One Canadian Economy Act, is focused on creating a stronger, more competitive, and resilient Canadian economy for all citizens.

One of the key aspects of the bill is the streamlining of the approval process for major infrastructure projects. This will be achieved by implementing a “one-project, one-review” approach, reducing approval times from five years to two. Additionally, the legislation will recognize provincial standards for goods, services, and labor mobility as meeting the federal standard, thereby facilitating internal trade.

Carney stressed that provinces will have a voice in determining which projects are pursued, highlighting that the federal government will not impose projects on provinces that do not support them. The bill also includes provisions for workers certified or licensed in one province to work on federally regulated projects without meeting additional federal standards.

When it comes to identifying nation-building projects, the legislation outlines criteria such as contributing to Canada’s prosperity, advancing national security, and supporting Indigenous Peoples. These projects, which include highways, railways, ports, pipelines, and mines, will be subject to a rigorous evaluation process to ensure they meet key benchmarks.

To expedite the approval and implementation of these projects, a Major Projects Office will serve as a single point of contact for proponents, streamlining the assessment and permitting process. Consultation with provinces and Indigenous Peoples will be a crucial part of this process, with an Indigenous Advisory Council providing guidance.

While the bill has been met with some criticism, with calls for more substantial measures to address internal trade barriers, Carney remains optimistic about its potential impact on the Canadian economy. The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, has expressed cautious support for the legislation, emphasizing the need for further steps to address trade barriers between provinces.

In conclusion, the One Canadian Economy Act represents a significant step towards enhancing Canada’s economic competitiveness and resilience. By prioritizing nation-building projects and streamlining the approval process for infrastructure developments, the government aims to foster economic growth and prosperity for all Canadians.