Canada seeks fast-track projects to lower U.S. dependence

The One Canadian Economy Act went into force on Thursday, allowing Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government to fast-track national development projects. The Canadian government intends to compile a list of national projects over the next five years. The act also changed internal trade and labor policies, allowing comparable provincial regulations to satisfy federal requirements, according to a government statement.

The act changed the federal review process for large-scale national projects to focus on how to implement them, rather than whether they should be implemented, according to the government. The goal of the act is to ensure the approval process takes two years or less.

Carney said that the act provides Canada the opportunity to give more to itself than any foreign nation can take away. The act will also transform the country’s economy into the strongest in the G7 alliance, he said.

What will the new consultation process look like? The government plans to speak to provincial and territorial authorities and indigenous leaders for initial project ideas. The Canadian Governor General, with advice from federal cabinet members, will weigh potential projects based on the following criteria, according to the government:

• Whether they increase Canada’s autonomy and security

• Degree of economic benefits to Canada

• Likelihood of success

• Whether they advance the goals of indigenous peoples

• Whether they meet Canada’s climate change standards

Projects that fulfill the criteria will have their descriptions published in the Canada Gazette for 30 days so the public can provide feedback.

Dig deeper:Read Christina Grube’s report on NATO allies’ new defense spending agreement.