Bill C-39
In committee · Commons
Building Canada Strong Act
This is a wide-ranging omnibus bill touching many different policies important to Canadians. Included among these, it speeds up government approvals for major infrastructure and energy projects, strengthens supply chain laws, updates labour rules, and modernizes trade document processes.
What it means for you
Deep analysis
Big construction and energy projects could get approved faster, goods could move more efficiently across Canada, and workers in federally regulated industries could see changes to collective bargaining rights. Read the deep analysis for more details.
The debate · 6 points
Supporters say
- Modernizing port governance would add marine expertise to port boards, set clearer performance measures, and require fee transparency. Industry groups say a transport agency should be able to overturn unjustified port fees, which would support trade and competitiveness.
- A 'one project, one review' approach would cut approval delays, give investors more certainty, and help major energy, mining and infrastructure projects get built faster, creating jobs.
- The bill would strengthen worker protections against wage theft and misclassification, protect workers when contracts change hands, help new unions reach a first agreement, and speed up grievance arbitration. It would also give bargaining parties more time and earlier access to dispute-resolution tools, while keeping the right to strike.
Critics say
- Changes to section 107 of the Canada Labour Code would let the minister end legal strikes and lockouts. Critics say this weakens the right to strike and collective bargaining. Some labour groups want clearer limits on intervention and an independent mediator.
- Opponents argue the bill weakens environmental protections and favours fossil fuel projects such as pipelines, while clean electricity receives far less public money. Some scientists warn of lasting environmental harm.
- Critics say the bill weakens consultation with Indigenous peoples and puts their rights at risk. Some ask why human rights provisions were removed, and warn that broad executive powers come with limited independent oversight.