Carney Defends Bill C-39, Vows to Fast-Track Major Projects

Prime Minister Mark Carney has dismissed criticism of the Liberal government’s proposed Bill C-39, which aims to fast-track federal project approvals and make changes to the Labour Code, saying the government will move ahead with the legislation.

Speaking to reporters in New York, Carney said Canadians had given his government a clear mandate to “Build Canada Strong” and that he would not back down from advancing economic reforms.

Carney said Canada is facing economic pressure from the United States and that accelerating growth is a top priority to keep the economy moving and protect jobs. He argued that under the previous system, project approval processes took so long that businesses were forced to halt construction plans.

Under Bill C-39, the approval timeline would be reduced to one year. However, unions have raised concerns over a provision that would give the Labour Minister the authority to order an end to an ongoing strike if it is deemed to be in the national interest.