Government Priorities

The debate focused on Bill C-39, which aims to implement measures for project evaluations and development, including streamlining environmental and supply chain processes. Government members stated that the bill ensures major projects are built in Canada with stability and predictability while facilitating the transition to a net-zero economy without lowering environmental standards. Opponents, including scientists and members of the Bloc Québécois, argued that the bill is flawed because it allows projects to be authorized before thorough environmental reviews are completed and circumvents protections for species at risk and Indigenous rights. Opposing members emphasized that the proposed one-year deadline for reviews is too rushed and that the bill should not allow the government to bypass existing environmental laws and protection measures.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text (opens in a new tab)

6 statements

Christine Normandin, Saint-Jean

Bloc Québécois
“Fifty-six scientists oppose this bill. They want the government to stop letting projects start before environmental reviews are done, stop rushing reviews with a one-year deadline, and stop letting the minister pause environmental laws. The government should listen to science instead of oil companies.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Bill C-39 continues to bring people together, but against the bill: Fifty-six scientists from the Royal Society of Canada are speaking out against it today. They are calling on the government to eliminate the provision that allows projects to be authorized before proceeding with environmental assessments. They are calling for the elimination of the one-year deadline for assessing projects; they are denouncing the absurdity of allowing the minister to suspend environmental laws; and they are calling for the reinstatement of the five-year sunset clause to prevent abusive powers from becoming permanent. Who is the government going to listen to: science or the oil companies?

Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant

Liberal
“I want the House to pass this bill, and I want the Bloc Québécois to support it. It sets a one-year limit for reviews so big projects get built. It protects workers and the environment while bringing in investment.”
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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the principle behind Bill C-39 is simple: one project, one review, one year. The idea behind Bill C‑39 is to ensure that major projects are built in Canada, that they are carried out with respect for the environment and workers’ rights, while also ensuring stability and predictability, which our country needs to attract investment and to build infrastructure. That is exactly what we are doing. I invite the Bloc Québécois to come to its senses and support Bill C‑39.

Christine Normandin, Saint-Jean

Bloc Québécois
“I oppose this bill. Scientists oppose it, and even the environment minister previously warned against funding the destruction of nature. This bill lets the government bypass protections for species at risk, while the Liberals keep giving billions of dollars to fossil fuels. Liberals should stand up against the Prime Minister's shift toward the oil industry.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, scientists are not the only ones speaking out against Bill C-39 today. Does Stephen Guilbeault need to get his act together too? Stephen Guilbeault called on the government to “stop funding the destruction of nature”. He criticized Bill C‑39 for allowing the minister to circumvent the Species at Risk Act, and he criticized the fact that the Liberals continue to subsidize fossil fuels to the tune of billions of dollars. Will the Liberals remember the days when some of them had principles, and will they stand up against the Prime Minister’s pro-oil drift?

Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant

Liberal
“The Bloc Québécois should support the Churchill Falls project. It is the largest clean energy project, and the head of Hydro-Québec says it will bring wealth, cheap power, and clean energy to Quebec.”
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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, what is absolutely mind-boggling when listening to the Bloc Québécois is that they can say that and, at the same time, mock the Churchill Falls project, which is the largest renewable energy project. I would like to recall what the president of Hydro-Québec said about the Churchill Falls project ensuring prosperity for a generation of Quebeckers, affordable electricity rates in Quebec, and clean, renewable energy. I cannot comprehend in what kind of world the Bloc Québécois is unable to rally behind a project that holds such promise for Quebec.

Patrick Bonin, Repentigny

Bloc Québécois
“This is a bad bill. Scientists, senators, unions, and even former Liberal ministers are speaking out against it because it harms nature, Indigenous rights, and workers. I want to know if any Liberal will stand up and oppose it.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, it is a bad time for a bad bill. Today, 56 Royal Society of Canada scientists spoke out against Bill C‑39. Today, Steven Guilbeault asked the Liberals to stop destroying nature. On Monday, a group of female senators, including Michèle Audette, raised concerns about indigenous rights violations. Unions are speaking out against the limitations on the right to strike. The simple truth is that everyone is condemining Bill C‑39. Is there a Liberal who will stand up and speak out against this bill?

Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature

Liberal

Linked statement

“We are not lowering our environmental standards. This bill helps us build big clean-energy projects faster, like Churchill Falls with Hydro-Québec, so we can reach net-zero emissions.”
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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, it bears repeating that there has been no easing of environmental standards. What we have is the efficiency to build the major projects we need to transition to a net-zero economy. Let us talk about electricity projects, such as Churchill Falls, the largest renewable energy project in North America. We are also working with Hydro-Québec to make our country and our economy strong.

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