Critics say Carney bill could weaken environmental safeguards

Critics are warning that the federal government’s new Building Canada Strong Act could weaken environmental protections while speeding approval of major projects across Canada. The bill, introduced by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government, is meant to cut project decision times to one year and help move infrastructure and resource developments forward more quickly. But it also contains more than 300 clauses that would change several federal laws, including rules covering species at risk, water quality, fisheries, and parts of the Labour Code. Environmental groups and legal experts say the legislation gives Ottawa broad powers to approve early construction, exempt some projects from certain protections, and create regions of national interest where future activities could be preapproved. They argue the changes could put wildlife, ecosystems, and sensitive habitats at greater risk. Government officials say the bill is intended to provide certainty, maintain high standards, and support faster investment in Canada.