Prime Minister Mark Carney's government introduced the Building Canada Strong Act (Bill C-39) in Parliament on September 21. It proposes to speed up federal reviews and authorizations for major infrastructure, energy, mining and natural resource projects.

The bill aims to coordinate impact assessments with reviews for other federal authorizations, reducing delays caused by separate processes.

Once the required information and studies have been provided, the bill would require a decision statement within one year for certain projects assessed by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada. It also proposes one-year decision periods for certain energy projects. This is not an unconditional one-year approval for every project.

The government says faster, more predictable decisions would attract investment, create jobs, help bring critical minerals and energy to market, and reduce Canada's economic reliance on the United States.

Environmental organizations and some labour groups have raised concerns about efforts to accelerate major projects. The accompanying protest image illustrates the broader debate; it does not document a protest specifically against Bill C-39.

A central question is whether environmental assessment, public participation, wildlife and nature protection, and Indigenous rights will receive adequate attention as decisions are made more quickly.

The federal government says environmental standards and Indigenous rights remain in place, and that reviews and consultations can be better coordinated. The bill also includes separate measures concerning labour relations and supply chains.

As of September 27, 2026, Bill C-39 is at second reading in the House of Commons. Further parliamentary debate and consideration are needed before it can become law. It is distinct from Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act, which became law in 2025.

Sources: Parliament of Canada's Bill C-39 summary and legislative progress record; Government of Canada announcement of September 21, 2026.