Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government will decide which energy projects are deemed vital to the national interest, but will not force any province to accept them without consensus.Blacklock's Reporter says Carney told reporters the federal cabinet will use new authority under Bill C-5 to select and expedite energy proposals that align with Canada’s economic and environmental goals. “We will identify projects of national interest, those that strengthen Canada’s self-reliance, resilience and security, offer compelling benefits to Canada, have a high probability of being completed, are a priority for indigenous communities and contribute to clean growth and Canada’s climate objectives,” said Carney..The legislation, titled An Act To Enact The Free Trade And Labour Mobility In Canada Act, allows cabinet to determine which projects meet national criteria. Section 5.6 of the bill grants ministers broad discretion, stating they may “consider any factor” when making decisions.Asked why political discretion was built into the process, Carney responded: “It gives authority to the minister in consultation with the prime minister to make those decisions.”Despite the new powers, Carney insisted the federal government would not force development in provinces that object. “If a province doesn’t want to, it’s impossible,” said Carney. “It’s not the federal government’s choice. We will not impose a project on a province.”.Pressed on whether this meant premiers would have a veto, Carney replied, “We need to have a consensus — from all provinces and indigenous peoples.”Conservative MP Shannon Stubbs (Lakeland, Alta.) dismissed the legislation as symbolic.“Photo ops don’t matter, actions do,” said Stubbs. “No private sector pipelines will be built to coasts with shipping and drilling bans. Liberals now claim they want Canada to be an energy superpower but will only approve pipelines if there is consensus. Yet there is no consensus even in their own cabinet.”.Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre said the Prime Minister’s approach signals a major obstacle to resource development.“He said the premiers will have a veto on resource projects and pipelines,” said Poilievre.“Well, the most promising pipeline is from northern Alberta to the Pacific coast, and the NDP premier of British Columbia has said no to pipelines. Is the Prime Minister effectively saying we’re not going to get any pipelines built?”
