Canada Enacts Historic Legislation to Accelerate National Projects Amid US Trade Tensions

The One Canadian Economy Act, passed by Parliament, empowers the government to expedite critical infrastructure projects while raising concerns among Indigenous and environmental groups.

Canada has made a significant policy move with the passage of the One Canadian Economy Act, designed to enhance the efficiency of national project approvals. The bill, approved by the Senate, grants Prime Minister Mark Carney's government the authority to streamline processes and sidestep certain federal regulations for initiatives that promise economic growth.

Advocates celebrate the legislation as essential in reducing Canada’s economic dependence on the United States, a concern heightened by recent trade disputes and tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Canadian goods, including steel and aluminum.

Prime Minister Carney described the act as a tool to dismantle trade barriers and accelerate nation-building efforts, stating, “Indigenous partnership will be at the center of this growth.” He emphasized that the legislation will facilitate internal trade and enhance labor mobility—key factors in boosting the economy.

Despite this, the act has faced backlash from Indigenous leaders and environmental activists. Critics argue that hastening approval processes could marginalize Indigenous voices and disregard their rights. Senator Paul Prosper, representing the Mi'kmaq Indigenous community, attempted to insert amendments requiring Indigenous consent before projects proceed. He expressed concern that the rapid passage of the law compromised necessary consultation measures, stating, "No one wants to watch our children grow up in squalor, with no access to clean drinking water… However, we do not want success and progress to come on the backs of Indigenous Peoples."

Supporters, like Senator Hassan Yussuff, assert that the legislation responds to urgent economic challenges, highlighting a national need for swift project approvals in the face of ongoing trade pressures. While the act does contain clauses for consultation with Indigenous communities, many remain wary of how these projects will unfold and the potential impacts on their lands and rights.

The new law symbolizes a pivotal commitment by the Canadian government to foster economic resilience and infrastructure advancement while navigating complex relationships with marginalized communities.