Ottawa proposes one-year limit for federal reviews of major projects
Bill C-39 would coordinate assessments and permits, subject to parliamentary review.
New file: Bill C-39 and its limits are presented from the official release and a Reuters cross-check.
The Canadian government introduced Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, on Sept. 21. The bill proposes completing federal reviews and decisions for major projects within a maximum of one year once a proponent has submitted a complete application. [1]
The proposal would allow federal assessments and permits to be coordinated or conducted in parallel. Ottawa says environmental standards and Indigenous rights would remain in place. [1]
The bill also proposes a transportation projects office and changes to the federal labour framework. Reuters reports that the measures are intended to speed investment and alter some rules applying to work stoppages. [2]
The timeline would begin only after the required information and studies are received, and introducing the bill does not guarantee approval of a project. C-39 still faces parliamentary review; its final scope will depend on the enacted text and implementation. [1]
Perspectives compared
The government describes a maximum one-year timeline for federal decisions after a complete application. [1]
The proposal provides for coordinated reviews and continued consultations. [1]
The measure is a bill and remains subject to parliamentary review. [2]
Sources and documents
- [1] Government of Canada ↗September 21, 2026
- [2] Reuters / Investing.com ↗September 21, 2026