The Canadian government unveiled a new bill on Friday to eliminate obstacles to internal trade and expedite the approval process for nation-building infrastructure projects. The One Canadian Economy Act is in line with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s commitment to bolster Canada’s economy and sovereignty amid challenges from the Trump administration.
Carney emphasized that the bill aims to create a unified Canadian economy by reducing approval timelines for major infrastructure projects from five to two years through a streamlined “one-project, one-review” approach. Additionally, the legislation will enhance internal trade by recognizing provincial standards as meeting federal requirements for goods, services, and labor mobility.
Under the proposed law, individuals certified or licensed in a province can work on federally regulated projects without additional federal certification. This recognition of provincial standards is expected to expand job opportunities and provide employers with a broader talent pool.
The bill defines “nation-building” projects as those contributing significantly to Canada’s prosperity, enhancing national security, economic benefits, and supporting Indigenous interests and climate goals. These projects will undergo evaluation based on key criteria such as strengthening autonomy, providing economic benefits, and advancing Indigenous rights.
Once a project is designated as nation-building, it will be added to an approved projects list managed by a new federal Major Projects Office. Proponents will engage with this office as a single contact point for assessments and permits, ensuring streamlined processes and enhanced consultation with provinces and Indigenous communities.
While the government aims to speed up project approvals and maintain environmental protections, critics like Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre view the internal trade measures as incremental. Poilievre suggested incentivizing provinces to remove trade barriers to further boost economic growth. Despite differing opinions, the bill represents a step towards reshaping the Canadian economy and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
