Canada's Carney Takes Aim at Bureaucratic Underbrush with Build Canada Strong Act

Prime Minister Mark Carney's government is taking another swing at big economic legislation, this time aiming to clear away bureaucratic underbrush and reform project approvals. The new bill, called Bill C-39 or the Build Canada Strong Act, contains 361 sections that aim to streamline transportation regulation, reduce strikes in key industries like ports, and create national trade corridors.

The bill is a significant departure from the Liberal government's previous approach, which focused on building workarounds and superstructures to cut through red tape. This time around, Mr. Carney's government is attempting to reform the system itself, rather than just pushing priorities through it.

One key aspect of the bill is its attempt to normalize the use of ministerial power to order the settlement of labour disputes. The government has already faced challenges in the courts over this practice, which was used regularly starting in 2024 to halt labour disputes at airlines, ports, and railways. The new bill sets out guidelines that might protect it from such challenges.

While some have raised concerns about the potential impact on workers' right to strike, Mr. Carney has expressed his commitment to reforming the system and attracting investment in Canada. With a solid majority and broad public support for measures to boost the domestic economy, he may be able to navigate the politics of this effort.