On Friday, the Liberals’ controversial Bill C-5 was passed by the House of Commons — it’s the only legislation to pass, ahead of Parliament rising for the summer.
Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act, aims to remove barriers to interprovincial trade, fulfilling Prime Minister Mark Carney’s promise to do so by Canada Day. But the legislation would also give Carney’s cabinet the power to quickly approve big industrial projects deemed to be ‘in the national interest,’ exempting them from some federal laws.
Carney has said the legislation will not weaken the government’s duty to consult Indigenous rights-holders, but many are worried.
The Decibel is joined by Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. She represents more than 630 First Nations and has been voicing concern over the bill. She’ll walk us through how First Nations are responding and whether it could spark another Idle No More movement this summer.
Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com
