Carney Eyes Summer Push to Fast-Track Big Projects

Prime Minister Mark Carney is determined to pass the government’s sweeping new bill — the “One Canadian Economy” plan — before the summer break starts later this month. If Parliament can’t make it happen, Carney is clear: MPs might just have to stick around Ottawa instead of heading home! 🏛️

The new legislation, introduced by Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc on Friday, aims to break down federal barriers that have long held back internal trade and labour mobility. It’s also designed to fast-track what Carney calls “nation-building projects” across the country, from highways and pipelines to mines and energy facilities ⚡.

A Day Decades in the Making

Carney called the announcement “an important day for Canada” at a news conference alongside several cabinet ministers. “For too long, when federal agencies have examined a project, the question has been ‘why?’” he said. “With this bill, we’re flipping that to ‘how?’” 🛠️

The prime minister’s deadline? June 20 — when Parliament is set to break for summer and MPs head back to their ridings. If it doesn’t pass by then, Carney says Parliament should sit longer to make it happen: “That’s what Canadians expect.”

The bill lays out five factors for deciding which projects are truly in the “national interest,” including:
✅ Strengthening Canada’s security and autonomy
✅ Delivering economic benefits
✅ Advancing Indigenous interests
✅ Supporting clean growth
✅ Having a high chance of success

Projects that meet these standards could get a smoother path to approval.

A New Major Projects Office

The bill also proposes a new major projects office to cut through the federal red tape and coordinate reviews across different departments. It’ll feature an Indigenous Advisory Council to ensure First Nations have a voice at the table 🪶.

But not everyone is convinced. The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) warned on Friday that the fast-tracking plan could pose a “serious threat” to treaty rights. In a statement, the AFN said the government must uphold its constitutional duty to consult Indigenous communities — and that there’s real concern over the rushed timelines.

Carney’s response? He says the federal government won’t impose a project — like an oil pipeline — on a province or territory without “consensus” and buy-in. He also points to the First Ministers’ Meeting earlier this week, where premiers voiced strong support for cutting red tape on big projects.

Two-Year Timeline, but Not Legislated

One headline-grabbing goal of the bill: getting major projects approved within two years. Federal officials, speaking on background, admitted the timeline isn’t locked into law — but it’s a serious target they’re aiming for.

Carney argues that Canada’s economy could see a major boost if provinces, territories, and Ottawa work together to remove trade barriers. Over time, eliminating internal barriers could add a whopping $200 billion to the economy 💰.

Making Trade and Jobs Easier

The bill also promises to make trade and work easier within Canada. Goods that meet one province’s standards would be automatically recognized federally — for instance, if a washing machine passes Ontario’s energy efficiency rules, it would be good to go nationwide 🧺.

For workers, the bill cuts federal barriers to moving between provinces. A land surveyor licensed in Ontario could work on federal projects elsewhere in Canada without having to jump through more hoops.

And there’s more to come: the government says it will remove even more federal exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement by July 1, 2025. Since 2017, nearly 70% of those exceptions have already been scrapped.

Opposition Voices

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says while the bill is a step forward, it doesn’t go far enough. He’s promising to propose amendments — and says Ottawa should also repeal barriers like the energy cap and industrial carbon tax to truly spark economic growth. “We don’t need baby steps,” he said. “We need breakthroughs.” 🚀

Meanwhile, the Bloc Québécois wants to take a closer look at the bill. Bloc House leader Christine Normandin said her party won’t let it rush through without expert testimony and proper committee study. “We’re going to do the work,” she said.

What’s Next?

If there’s no agreement in the coming days, MPs could find themselves back in Parliament Hill’s green seats right through the summer — hammering out a bill they say could reshape Canada’s economic future.