The Liberal government’s controversial major projects bill has become law after receiving royal assent Thursday.
Bill C-5, which also reduces federal barriers to internal trade, was passed by the Senate earlier Thursday without any amendments after a speedy review.
Senate Speaker Raymonde Gagne announced Gov. Gen. Mary Simon had given royal assent to the bill before the Senate adjourned for the summer break.
The timing upholds Prime Minister Mark Carney’s promise to have all federal internal trade barriers removed by Canada Day.
The legislation gives Ottawa the power to fast-track projects intended to boost the national economy by sidestepping environmental protections and other legislation. The goal is to have such projects approved within two years.
While the bill passed the Senate without amendments, a handful of senators attempted to persuade their colleagues to include language about respecting Indigenous rights.
The politically-charged legislation has angered Indigenous and environmental groups who criticize the government for rushing to grant itself sweeping new powers to speed up development.
Several Indigenous leaders called on MPs and senators to slow the bill’s passage to give Indigenous communities more time to suggest amendments and review the legislation with their lawyers.
Get breaking National news
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
Carney has said the bill requires Indigenous consultation, including within the major projects office his government will set up to oversee approvals of so-called “nation building” projects.
The prime minister said last week he intends to hold a series of forums with Indigenous rights holders and leaders this summer about the legislation and the process it outlines.
Carney has said Arctic ports, critical minerals mining and supply chain infrastructure, energy projects, and telecommunications and artificial intelligence networks are among the projects the government will consider as major projects.
The legislation was introduced in the upper chamber on Wednesday after the bill was fast-tracked through the House of Commons.
The bill was divided into two separate votes in the House of Commons, with Liberals and Conservatives supporting the major projects portion, while all but Green Party Leader Elizabeth May approved the internal trade portion.
The House of Commons also rose for the summer after passing the legislation.
Parliament is now due to return in September.
—with files from the Canadian Press
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
