The House of Commons wrapped up its spring session on Friday with a political thunderclap: the passing of Bill C-5, officially titled the One Canadian Economy Act. As Parliament breaks for the summer, Prime Minister Mark Carney can claim a major policy victory. But while the bill’s ambition is undeniable, the road to its passage reveals a deeper conversation Canada still needs to have—one about urgency, inclusion, and the balance between progress and process.
Let’s start with what Bill C-5 gets right. The legislation tackles a long-standing issue: internal trade barriers that hamper the free movement of goods, services, and labour across provincial lines. That part of the bill passed with near-unanimous support, even earning praise from politicians across the aisle. If you’re looking for proof that functional bipartisanship isn’t entirely dead in Ottawa, this is it.
But the second half of the bill—the controversial new federal powers to expedite major infrastructure projects—was a tougher sell. The Liberals got it across the finish line thanks to the support of the Conservatives, but other opposition parties, Indigenous leaders, and environmental advocates weren’t buying it.
Prime Minister Carney’s defense of the bill as “enabling legislation” is compelling on its face. Canada needs to build—big things, bold things, nation-shaping things. Carney’s mantra is that the federal government should ask “how” a project can happen, not “why.” It’s a powerful shift in attitude, especially when global pressures—from U.S. tariffs to the climate crisis—demand nimble responses and clear national vision.
But the speed at which this bill moved raised eyebrows, and rightly so.
The government promised during the election campaign to break down trade barriers by July 1. That self-imposed deadline appears to have driven an accelerated process that left many, particularly Indigenous leaders, feeling sidelined. The bill was amended to walk back a particularly egregious clause allowing Cabinet to override the Indian Act, but even with that change, critics say the consultation was too rushed, too surface-level.
National Chief Cindy Nepinak Woodhouse called the amendments “limited” and insufficient. And when someone in that position speaks up, Canadians should listen.
To the government’s credit, Carney and Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty—herself a historic figure as the first Indigenous person in that role—acknowledged that mistakes were made in communication and consultation. They’ve committed to summer summits with Indigenous communities to build the trust that may have been strained by the legislative process.
Still, the episode raises questions: Why must these conversations always come after the fact? Why does urgency so often trump the patient, respectful engagement that true reconciliation demands?
Supporters of the bill argue that Indigenous prosperity is tied to economic growth—and they’re right. But economic inclusion doesn’t begin and end with a seat at a table that’s already been set. It starts with shared ownership of the process, something that can’t be rushed or faked.
The NDP, who voted against the major projects portion of the bill, put it bluntly: “We want economic growth, but we will never vote in favour of violating constitutional rights.” While that rhetoric may sound harsh, it captures a core tension that Canada will face again and again in the years ahead—especially as it tries to build its way out of economic stagnation while facing a climate emergency.
What Bill C-5 represents is a fork in the road. On one path, a Canada that moves decisively toward progress, unity, and independence from American economic gravity. On the other, a Canada that risks repeating old mistakes under new banners—rushing development, weakening oversight, and sidelining the very communities that most need to be heard.
Prime Minister Carney’s call for “nations built positively” is a noble one. But it must be matched by actions that show this government understands what positivity requires: not just speed, but sincerity; not just ambition, but accountability.
Canada can build big things. But let’s also build them right.
