Canada Unveils Bill to Fast-Track Major Resource Projects

Canada unveiled draft legislation on Monday aimed at accelerating approvals for major natural resource and infrastructure projects, as Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks to strengthen economic growth and reduce the country’s vulnerability to U.S. tariffs.

The proposed law would establish a one-year target for federal project reviews and decisions. Instead of handling permits and regulatory assessments sequentially, federal agencies would conduct more of the approval process simultaneously, potentially shortening timelines for large energy, mining and infrastructure developments.

Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson said the legislation is intended to push the federal bureaucracy toward greater efficiency while maintaining environmental standards. He said government departments would be held accountable for meeting the new one-year timeline.

Ottawa noted that faster approvals would also depend on companies submitting required project information and data promptly. The legislation would not alter the rights of Indigenous groups to consultation and accommodation when projects affect their territories, although Hodgson said the consultation process should become faster and more effective.

Canada’s lengthy permitting system has been cited as a factor behind some resource and energy projects taking a decade or longer to progress from initial proposals to completion. Carney has argued that reducing such barriers is essential as Canada responds to U.S. tariffs and seeks new sources of economic growth.

The legislation is expected to eventually clear Parliament because Carney’s Liberal government holds a majority in the House of Commons, although opposition parties could seek amendments and delay passage.

The bill would also change federal labor rules governing major strikes and lockouts. Ottawa used existing Labour Code powers several times in 2024 and 2025 to intervene in disputes affecting railways, ports, airlines and postal services, drawing criticism from unions.

Under the proposed changes, a special mediator would first have to work with the parties for 21 days. The labor minister could intervene only after receiving the mediator’s report and a federal employment ministry assessment of the potential economic and broader damage caused by the work stoppage.