In a decisive move that could reshape Canada’s approach to major infrastructure development, the Senate has adopted Mark Carney’s fast-tracked major projects bill well ahead of the anticipated Canada Day deadline. The legislation, which sailed through the upper chamber with unusual speed, represents one of the most significant shifts in Canada’s approach to economic development in recent years.
The bill, championed by former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney in his new role as economic advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, aims to streamline approval processes for critical infrastructure projects deemed essential to Canada’s economic growth and energy transition. According to Senate records, the legislation moved from introduction to final reading in just under three weeks—a remarkable pace for the typically deliberative body.
“This legislation addresses a fundamental challenge that has plagued our economy for decades,” said Senator Peter Harder during final debate. “The inability to efficiently approve and construct major projects has cost Canadians billions in lost economic opportunity.”
The rapid passage wasn’t without controversy. Opposition senators raised concerns about environmental oversight and Indigenous consultation. Senator Denise Batters questioned whether “speed has been prioritized over substance,” pointing to sections of the bill that modify environmental assessment timelines.
The legislation establishes a new framework for designating “projects of national significance”—a classification that will allow certain developments to receive expedited regulatory treatment. Government estimates suggest this could reduce approval timelines by up to 50% for qualifying projects, potentially unlocking billions in stalled infrastructure investment.
Industry groups have largely applauded the measure. The Canadian Construction Association called it “a necessary modernization of our regulatory approach,” while the Business Council of Canada praised the bill for “recognizing the economic imperative of timely project delivery.”
Environmental organizations have expressed mixed reactions. While some acknowledge the need for accelerating clean energy infrastructure, others worry about reduced public consultation periods. “The climate emergency demands rapid deployment of clean energy, but not at the expense of proper environmental safeguards,” said Nature Canada in a statement following the Senate vote.
Particularly notable is the bill’s approach to Indigenous consultation, which maintains requirements for meaningful engagement while establishing clearer timelines and processes. The Assembly of First Nations has indicated qualified support, though emphasized that implementation will be closely monitored.
The legislation now awaits royal assent, after which the government is expected to quickly begin designating initial projects under the new framework. Sources within the Ministry of Infrastructure suggest that clean energy transmission corridors and critical minerals projects will likely be among the first to benefit from the new process.
The unusually swift passage through Parliament reflects growing consensus about Canada’s infrastructure challenges. A recent C.D. Howe Institute report estimated that regulatory delays cost the Canadian economy approximately $8.8 billion annually in foregone economic activity.
As Canada positions itself in an increasingly competitive global economy, the question remains: will this legislative fast-track translate into actual shovels in the ground, or will implementation challenges continue to delay the infrastructure Canada needs for its economic future?
