• Carney government to study new major projects bill with tool last used in Harper era

  Source: CBC Politics
  Date: 2026-09-25 20:34:29.0
  Tags: [National, Infrastructure, Economy, Labour, Governance, Indigenous]

  The federal government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney introduced Bill C-39, a 244-page omnibus bill titled the Building Canada Strong Act designed to fast-track major economic development projects and address labour disruptions across 24 different acts and regulations. Government House leader Steven MacKinnon announced that the bill will be referred to a specialized "legislative committee"—a parliamentary mechanism last used by the federal government under Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2012 for Bill C-11. The legislation has drawn criticism from organized labour, environmental groups, and the Assembly of First Nations over proposed alterations to consultation practices, impact assessments, and the Canada Labour Code. While opposition parties intend to scrutinize the bill and propose amendments in committee, the governing Liberals hold a majority to pass the legislation in the House of Commons.

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• Facing criticism, Carney says he has a 'very clear mandate' to push through major economic changes

  Source: CBC Politics
  Date: 2026-09-22 22:42:07.0
  Tags: [National, Economy, Labour, Infrastructure, Governance]

  Prime Minister Mark Carney's government has tabled Bill C-39, a 246-page omnibus bill entitled the Building Canada Strong Act, which establishes a strict one-year timeline for federal project reviews managed through the Major Projects Office. The legislation amends Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to explicitly empower the labour minister to direct an end to work stoppages in federally regulated workplaces if the action adversely affects the national interest. The provisions have drawn strong criticism from organized labour groups, including the Canadian Labour Congress led by Bea Bruske and the NDP led by Avi Lewis, who argue the wording threatens the constitutional right to strike, while industry associations such as the Business Council of Alberta praised the measures for cutting red tape and ensuring supply chain stability.

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• AFN chief warns Carney against 'abusing' majority to pass new major projects bill

  Source: CBC Politics
  Date: 2026-09-22 18:30:50.0
  Tags: [National, Infrastructure, Energy, Labour, Indigenous, Governance]

  Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak has warned Prime Minister Mark Carney against abusing majority government powers to pass Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act. The legislation shifts project reviews for major infrastructure such as pipelines and power transmission lines from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to the Canada Energy Regulator while also proposing amendments to the Canada Labour Code. The AFN chief criticized the federal government for limiting debate and consultations, stating that staff in the Alberta-based major projects office lack understanding of First Nations rights and demanding that leadership be permitted to bring forward legislative amendments.

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• Liberals table bill to speed up major project approvals, avert labour disruptions

  Source: CBC Politics
  Date: 2026-09-21 23:13:50.0
  Tags: [National, Infrastructure, Energy, Resources, Labour, Governance]

  Prime Minister Mark Carney's government tabled Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, to fast-track major project approvals, reduce federal review timelines to one year for the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and six months for the Canada Energy Regulator and Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, and establish pre-approved economic zones of "national interest." The legislation transfers review responsibilities for pipelines and transmission lines from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to the Canada Energy Regulator, and for nuclear projects to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Additionally, the bill amends the Canada Labour Code to mandate collective bargaining six months prior to agreement expiry under specific conditions, require federally mediated relationship repair work following work stoppages, and increase penalties for bad faith bargaining.

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• A consequential fall begins with familiar concerns and a new test for the Carney government

  Source: CBC Politics
  Date: 2026-09-21 22:49:01.0
  Tags: [National, Economy, Trade, Labour, Infrastructure, Governance]

  Prime Minister Mark Carney's government convened the House of Commons for the fall 2026 legislative sitting, highlighting the newly tabled 243-page Bill C-39, titled the Building Canada Strong Act. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon described the legislation as the government's most significant economic bill to date, encompassing major adjustments to environmental regulations, impact assessments, and labour laws, including provisions altering the Canada Labour Code. The omnibus legislation drew immediate criticism from opposition parties and labour representatives, who alleged the measures threaten the right to strike and weaken accountability in collective bargaining. Concurrently, the Official Opposition, led by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, challenged the government's economic record and handling of cost-of-living pressures during Question Period, while the Carney administration continued navigating ongoing trade tensions and international economic adjustments.

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