Canada’s trade and transport ministers defended Bill C-39 at a House of Commons committee meeting on Oct. 19, 2026.
The Story
Four federal ministers defended the government’s legislation to speed up major project approvals at a House of Commons committee meeting on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, as Ottawa faced criticism from Indigenous, environment and labour groups.
The 243-page bill, Bill C-39, would fast-track approvals for major projects, cut their review times and create zones of “national interest” to pre-approve certain types of projects.
Labour leaders and union members protested the bill last week, arguing it would undermine workers’ right to strike. A collective of First Nations groups also condemned the legislation, saying it would weaken environmental oversight and reduce their ability to influence decisions affecting their territories.
Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said the bill does not reduce Ottawa’s requirement to consult Indigenous rights holders and that “a more efficient process does not mean a less rigorous one.” Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said the legislation aims to reduce administrative burdens while maintaining strong safety and environmental standards.
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