Liberals table bill to speed up major project approvals

Prime Minister Mark Carney's government introduced Bill C39 on Monday, a broad measure aimed at speeding up approvals for major projects and shortening review timelines. The bill would also create “national interest” zones where some projects could be preapproved. The proposed law would shift reviews for many large energy and infrastructure projects away from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada. Under the plan, the Canada Energy Regulator would handle several pipeline, transmission and offshore renewable energy reviews, while the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission would oversee nuclear and uranium projects. The legislation also includes labour changes, such as earlier bargaining timelines, more federal mediation and new steps for resolving workplace disputes. The government says the bill is intended to support economic development and make project approvals more efficient, while critics argue it could weaken environmental review and workers’ strike rights.