Dominic LeBlanc, who oversees Canada-U.S. trade and intergovernmental affairs, answered questions in the House of Commons on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The Canadian Press
Ministers are rushing a new law called Bill C-5, aiming to remove trade barriers between provinces and speed up major projects. Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, said they want to pass this law quickly, ideally by Canada Day. He told senators the government believes the bill is urgent and needed now.
The bill is also called the “One Canadian Economy” law. It focuses on making trade and labor movement easier across provinces. It also plans to speed up approval for big projects important to the country.
Fast-Tracked with Opposition
On Monday, the House of Commons voted 305 to 30 to fast-track the bill. Conservatives supported it. But the Bloc Quebecois, New Democrats, and Greens voted against it. The government wants the bill passed quickly, with debates and studies done in just a few days.
This has upset many who feel the bill deserves more time for discussion.
What’s in the Bill?
Bill C-5 is short, less than 20 pages. It aims to recognize rules across provinces to ease trade and worker movement. It also gives the cabinet more power to approve big projects, especially natural resource ones.
Some worry these new powers will weaken Indigenous rights and environmental protections. Critics say projects could get approved without proper Indigenous consultation or environmental checks.
Indigenous Concerns
Indigenous leaders want more time to study the bill. Natan Obed, an Indigenous leader, asked senators to slow down and consider the law carefully. Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty defended the bill, saying it won’t break current rights.
Alty said projects without Indigenous support won’t move forward quickly. She acknowledged past broken trust but said the government wants to move projects that have Indigenous agreement.
Meanwhile, Indigenous groups and some MPs gathered to protest the rushed process.
Critics Speak Out
Several MPs, including New Democrats, Bloc Quebecois, and some Liberals, criticized the fast pace. Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith called the process a “shut down of democratic debate” and said it hurts democracy.
NDP MP Heather McPherson said she supports the bill’s goals but not at the cost of workers’ rights, transparency, and Indigenous protections. Green Party leader Elizabeth May agreed on the goals but criticized the government for rushing.
Bloc Quebecois MPs accused the Conservatives and Liberals of working together to rush the bill without proper review. They called it “scandalous” and warned that the bill won’t get the detailed study it needs.
Government Sees a National Effort
Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland told senators this bill is about building Canada, not politics. She said everyone should put aside differences to pass it.
Senate Opposition Leader Leo Housakos said Conservatives in the Senate support the bill and will help pass it before summer break.
The House of Commons will pause for summer after Friday, and the Senate will pause next Friday. This means the bill must pass soon or wait until September.
