In June, Parliament passed Bill C-5 giving the federal government sweeping powers to fast-track projects deemed to be in the “national interest.” The jury is still out on what exactly that means, and how the government will use this law. Will it fast-track projects that protect people, communities and the planet or ones that violate Indigenous rights, expand climate-polluting fossil fuels, and waste public dollars?
Canadians deserve clarity. That’s why we’ve set out seven non-negotiable criteria for what truly counts as being in the national interest. Any project that moves forward must:
- Make Canada stronger and more resilient
- Be doable and not waste taxpayer dollars
- Uphold Indigenous rights and have free, prior and informed consent
- Be carefully planned with Indigenous leadership, experts, and the public
- Foster sustainability for current and future generations
- Align with Canada’s climate, environmental, and human rights obligations
- Move us away from fossil fuels
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