Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has made a sweeping move to speed up priority infrastructure projects, following the imposition of severe new tariffs by the United States. The move came after a meeting with premiers at the top level, where Carney underlined the need for economic resilience and national sovereignty.
The BBC says the bill would permit approval of major “nation-building” projects—pipelines, nuclear plants, and cross-Canada trade corridors—within two years.
The move was described by Carney as a response to what he called “unjustified and unlawful” tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump. He stated the plan is set to distance Canada from the American market, promote economic growth, and uphold national sovereignty.
Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc will lead the trip to Washington for discussions, but Ottawa is also proceeding with homegrown measures. The expedited projects will include them having to demonstrating substantive economic benefits, being environmentally friendly, and involving Indigenous community participation.
While Canada’s premiers at the provincial level openly endorsed the initiative, some Indigenous leaders complained about land rights and adequate processes of consultation. The government has promised addressing these matters as the bill moves forward.
