A major bill aiming to speed up big projects and tear down trade barriers between provinces is now law.Bill C-5 received Royal Assent on Thursday, June 26, 2025, after passing the Senate.Prime Minister Mark Carney said the bill is for “nation building” projects and promised it would be in place by Canada Day.The legislation creates two new acts. The Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act targets rules that make it hard for workers and goods to move between provinces, with the goal of a more unified economy.The Building Canada Act introduces "national interest projects" or NIPs. .These are large projects the government believes are crucial for Canada's economy, security, or climate goals. To become a NIP, a project must show benefits and be likely to succeed. Officials must consult provinces, territories, and indigenous rights holders first. A 30 day public notice period is also required.Once designated, NIPs get a much faster federal review. The process skips early planning and focuses on how to build, not if it should be built. .The government aims to cut NIP approval times to two years. The environment minister gains broad decision power. Cabinet can also exempt NIPs from some environmental laws and even parts of the Building Canada Act.The government says Bill C-5 is vital for growth and cutting red tape. However, critics strongly disagree. .Environmental groups warn it guts protections by skipping thorough reviews. The Environmental Law Centre called it a "black box" reducing public input and science.Indigenous leaders say promised consultation is weak. The bill does not require their free, prior, and informed consent. Others worry about democratic oversight. They say the law gives too much power to Cabinet and the Prime Minister, bypassing Parliament and potentially leading to costly court fights.
