Canada passes law fast-tracking 'nation building' projects to counter Trump

Canada’s parliament has just passed a major new law called the One Canadian Economy Act, which is designed to help the country build important national projects more quickly. The law gives Prime Minister Mark Carney and his cabinet the power to speed up the approval process for projects that could help Canada’s economy. This means that the government can skip some of the usual steps and rules that might slow down things like building pipelines, electricity grids, mines, and ports. The goal is to make Canada less dependent on the United States, especially since the US has put tariffs on Canadian products like steel, aluminum, and cars. These tariffs have made trade between the two countries more difficult, so Canada wants to strengthen its own economy.

Supporters of the new law say it is a crucial step for Canada. They believe it will help remove barriers that make it hard to trade and work between different provinces. The government says the law will also make it easier for people to move around the country for jobs. Prime Minister Carney has said that Indigenous people will be at the center of this economic growth, and that the government will work with them on these projects. The law also gives the government the power to approve projects that are considered to be in the national interest, which means they are important for the whole country.

However, the law has faced criticism from Indigenous groups and environmental activists. They are worried that speeding up the approval process could mean that their voices are not heard. Paul Prosper, a senator from Nova Scotia and a member of the Mi'kmaq Indigenous group, tried to add a rule that would require the government to get consent from Indigenous groups before starting a project. He said that the government should have spent more time talking to people who might be affected by these projects. Prosper supports development, but he wants to make sure that it does not come at the expense of Indigenous rights. He said that while everyone wants better jobs and living conditions, it should not happen by ignoring the needs of Indigenous communities. On the other hand, Senator Hassan Yussuff, who supports the law, said it is needed because Canada is facing urgent problems. The law does say that the government will consult with Indigenous peoples before fast-tracking a project, but some people are still concerned that this might not be enough.

The passing of the One Canadian Economy Act is a big win for Prime Minister Carney, who promised during his election campaign to make it easier to do business between provinces by Canada Day. The law is seen as a way to help Canada respond to trade challenges from the US and to build a stronger, more independent economy. The debate over the law shows that while many people want to see Canada grow and succeed, there are still important questions about how to do that in a way that respects everyone’s rights and the environment.