One Canadian Economy: Together and Without Delay

As your Member of Parliament, I believe we must act quickly to strengthen Canada's economy. That is why our government passed Bill C-5: One Canadian Economy. This new legislation removes outdated trade barriers within Canada and speeds up the approval of major national projects that create jobs and grow our economy.

By working with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners, we are helping build a more connected and competitive economy that works for everyone.

Why This Matters

The global economy is shifting, and new U.S. tariffs are disrupting trade. To protect Canadian jobs and investment, we need to make our internal market stronger and more resilient.

This new legislation will help:

  • Grow the Canadian economy by up to $200 billion

  • Make it easier for Canadians to work across provinces and territories

  • Build key infrastructure projects more quickly

  • Create jobs and attract new investments across the country

What Bill C-5 Includes

Free Trade & Labour Mobility in Canada Act

This law removes federal-level rules that overlap with similar provincial and territorial ones. It makes it easier for goods, services, and workers to move across the country.

What this means for Canadians:

  • If a product or service meets the rules in one province, it will be accepted federally

  • Workers licensed in one province will be able to work in federal roles in the same field without extra approvals

  • Businesses will face less duplication and red tape

  • Canadians will have better access to goods and services from across the country

This law will not lower health, safety, or environmental standards. It only applies when provincial and federal rules aim to achieve the same goal. Where there are risks to Canadians, federal rules will continue to apply.

Building Canada Act

This law allows the federal government to identify and prioritize major national projects. These include highways, clean energy, ports, pipelines, and other infrastructure that support the economy.

Here is how it works:

  • The government will consult with provinces, territories, and Indigenous Peoples before naming a project as nationally important

  • Once approved, the project will follow a single streamlined federal process with a clear two-year timeline

  • A new federal Major Projects Office will serve as a central point of contact to support project delivery

  • One minister will issue a final decision based on expert advice and consultations

This approach provides greater certainty for project developers and investors. It also supports job creation and long-term economic growth in every region.

How is this Different from Ontario’s Bill 5?

You may have heard concerns comparing Bill C-5 to Ontario’s Bill 5. In reality, the two are very different.

  • ❌ Ontario Bill 5: Broad exemptions from approval processes

    ✅ Federal Bill C-5: Streamlined, but still includes full permitting steps

  • ❌ Ontario Bill 5: Weakens or skips review steps

    ✅ Federal Bill C-5: Keeps all environmental protections in place

  • ❌ Ontario Bill 5: Minimal consultation requirements

    ✅ Federal Bill C-5: Full constitutional duty to consult, plus an Indigenous Advisory Council

  • ❌ Ontario Bill 5: Applies widely and automatically

    ✅ Federal Bill C-5: Applies only to selected national-interest projects

  • ❌ Ontario Bill 5: Fewer checks and balances

    ✅ Federal Bill C-5: Transparent process with a conditions document and project dashboard

  • ❌ Ontario Bill 5: Limited oversight once exempted

    ✅ Federal Bill C-5: Centralized coordination with ongoing reporting and oversight

In short, Ontario’s Bill 5 focuses on cutting oversight, while Bill C-5 focuses on coordination without cutting corners. Our federal approach balances speed with responsibility and respects Indigenous rights and environmental standards.

Strong Indigenous Partnership

The government is committed to building projects in partnership with Indigenous Peoples and in full respect of their rights.

Key steps include:

  • Meaningful consultation with Indigenous Peoples before any project moves forward

  • A new Indigenous Advisory Council to guide the work of the Major Projects Office

  • $40 million to support Indigenous participation in project planning and oversight

  • Expansion of the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program to $10 billion

  • Continued alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous engagement will be built into every stage of the process, helping to create long-term opportunities and shared prosperity.

FAQs

Will this lower federal standards?

No. This law only applies where provincial or territorial rules meet the same goal as federal ones. Federal standards will still apply when there is any risk to the health, safety, or well-being of Canadians.

Will this affect provincial powers?

No. The legislation only removes federal barriers. It does not interfere with areas that are under exclusive provincial or territorial control.

Why was the bill passed so quickly?

Due to global trade pressures and economic challenges, we needed to act. The bill followed all parliamentary procedures and was debated and reviewed like any other legislation. The urgency reflects the need to get infrastructure built and jobs created, not to avoid oversight.

A Stronger and More United Economy

Bill C-5 is about building a stronger economy by making it easier to work, build, and trade within Canada. It removes duplication, speeds up project approvals, and puts consultation and coordination at the center of decision-making.

By moving forward together, we are building one Canadian economy that creates jobs, strengthens communities, and prepares us for the future.

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