Canada's fast-tracked projects face scrutiny as Bill C-5 looms unused
The federal government’s major projects office is pushing departments to speed up project approvals, citing the threat of Bill C-5 as motivation. Dawn Farrell, the office’s head, made the comments during a joint parliamentary committee hearing reviewing the government’s handling of the legislation. She confirmed that 15 projects are currently undergoing a faster concurrent review process under the new rules. Bill C-5, officially known as the Building Canada Act, allows Ottawa to designate certain projects as being in the national interest. This designation lets them bypass some environmental laws to accelerate approvals. However, the government has yet to use this power on any of the projects referred to the major projects office.
Farrell explained that the 15 projects now in progress are following the concurrent process outlined in Bill C-5, originally intended as a two-year programme. The office also employs staff on loan from the private sector, including banks, through the government’s interchange programme. These employees are bound by the same conflict of interest rules as all federal workers, officials assured the committee.
Meanwhile, Conservatives have criticised Bill C-5 as a temporary fix, arguing it highlights flaws in existing laws that should be reformed rather than bypassed. Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc is now examining potential regulatory and legislative changes to address delays in project approvals.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has emphasised respect for the law, stating that consultations with Indigenous partners, provinces, and stakeholders will take place before any projects receive the national interest designation. The government continues to rely on the threat of Bill C-5 to encourage faster permitting, though the power itself remains unused. With 15 projects already under the concurrent review system, officials maintain that safeguards are in place for private-sector staff involved. Further regulatory adjustments may follow as the government seeks to balance speed with legal and environmental considerations.
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