OTTAWA | TRADITIONAL, UNCEDED TERRITORY OF THE ALGONQUIN ANISHINAABEG PEOPLE

The federal government must overhaul proposed legislation to advance “projects in the national interest” or risk backsliding on environmental standards and international climate and nature obligations, the David Suzuki Foundation says.

In its current form, Bill C-5 could be used to exempt projects from environmental laws and due process. Parliament should carefully study and improve the Building Canada Act. Projects that are in the country’s national interest should abide by Canada’s environmental laws and regulations.

Today Parliament is expected to debate a motion introduced by government House leader Steven MacKinnon that would circumvent parliamentary practice and fast-track passage of Bill C-5. The David Suzuki Foundation is calling on MPs to reject the motion so the legislation can undergo parliamentary scrutiny and to allow for amendments to address environmental concerns. It is crucial to uphold Indigenous rights and Canada’s obligations under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

DSF’s concerns include:

  • Exemption powers: Bill C-5 allows the federal government to exempt projects in the “national interest” from existing environmental laws.
  • Reduced oversight and lack of transparency: The bill circumvents standard environmental review processes and does not require public consultation.
  • Risk of undermining climate and nature objectives: The bill lacks mandatory criteria for evaluating projects “in the national interest”

Linda Nowlan, Acting Executive Director, David Suzuki Foundation, said:

“Prime Minister Carney has said the climate crisis is one of the greatest risks to our wellbeing and the global economy, and we agree. Instead of rushing Bill C-5 through Parliament, the government should listen to the concerns of environmental experts and address this bill’s shortcomings. Without crucial amendments, this bill could be used to bypass essential environmental laws that protect our collective future. We fear this will be used to force through oil and gas projects and pipelines and derail climate progress in Canada.

“Parliament can fix the bill. Let’s take the time to get it right. Even in a crisis, it is simply irresponsible to pre-approve projects without environmental oversight, meaningful public participation and full recognition of Indigenous rights. Plenty of projects in Canada’s national interest can be pursued without compromising essential climate, nature and human rights standards including a clean electricity grid, renewable energy expansion and public transit improvements.

“We can’t forget the hard-won lessons from past environmental disasters. The recent report from the federal environment and sustainable development commissioner reinforced the need for social, economic and environmental factors to be taken into account in a deeply integrated way when making decisions. This bill is the polar opposite of his advice.

“The current wildfires are a harsh reminder that we must act on the climate crisis. Canada can be a climate leader and energy superpower only by accelerating renewable energy, not by doubling down on oil and gas.”

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Background:

  • Most Canadians (65 per cent) agree that the federal government should invest in renewable energy instead of fossil fuel developments. The Leger public opinion polling from March 2025 is available to journalists.

For more information, please contact:

Melanie Karalis, mkaralis@davidsuzuki.org +1 548 588 1279