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Bills before Parliament

What each bill does, in plain language. Both sides of the debate where there has been one.

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Bills 3 Petitions
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Ordered by the most recent activity in Parliament. Demos does not rank bills by importance.

Bill C-37 In committee · Commons

First Nations Clean Water Act

Bill C-37 establishes a legal framework giving First Nations authority over water, drinking water, wastewater, and related infrastructure on their lands, allowing them to set their own water safety standards.

What it means for you

First Nations communities would gain the legal power to manage their own safe drinking water systems, helping to end the long-standing drinking water advisories that have affected many reserves.

GovernanceEnvironmentalReconciliation
The debate · 6 points

Supporters say

  • The bill would give First Nations authority over drinking water and wastewater on their lands, affirming their inherent right to self-government.
  • It would set enforceable national drinking water standards and regulations, closing gaps in current protections.
  • It commits the federal government to predictable, long-term funding and to a First Nations-led water commission, building on $4.6 billion over five years and the lifting of 158 long-term water advisories since 2015.

Critics say

  • The bill defines First Nations lands as reserve lands only, which may leave out traditional territories and raise doubts about whether UNDRIP, including Article 25, fully applies.
  • Chiefs say they were not properly consulted on this version of the bill, and a treaty table agreed to with the Crown has not yet met.
  • Critics say the bill is weaker than the previous version, Bill C-61, and that it lacks true co-development with First Nations, which many chiefs have requested.
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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

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.

Deep analysis
EconomicGovernanceEnvironmentalReconciliation
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.
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Bill S-251 2nd reading · Senate

An Act to establish a national strategy to end energy poverty

This bill requires the federal government to create a national strategy to end 'energy poverty' — the inability to afford adequate heating, cooling, and electricity — with targets, reporting to Parliament, and an advisory council.

What it means for you

Low-income Canadians, seniors, renters, and people in northern or remote communities who struggle to pay energy bills could eventually benefit from new federal programs focused on affordable energy and home efficiency upgrades.

EconomicGovernanceEnvironmentalReconciliation
The debate · 3 points

Supporters say

  • A national strategy would create federal accountability for addressing energy poverty.
  • The federal government can collect and analyze data and set thresholds, so it can direct time and resources where they will have the greatest impact.
  • Improving home energy efficiency, such as furnaces and boilers, reduces energy use even when that energy comes from fossil fuels. The Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program is a positive step in this direction.

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