**Canada's New Law Aims to Accelerate Major Projects Amid Rising Trade Tensions**

**Canada's One Canadian Economy Act enables the government to bypass federal barriers for significant economic initiatives, intensifying development discussions and Indigenous rights debates.**

In response to ongoing trade tensions with the United States, Canada’s parliament has passed the One Canadian Economy Act, granting new powers to Prime Minister Mark Carney's administration to fast-track major national projects. This landmark legislation, approved by the Senate, empowers the cabinet to streamline approval processes and skip certain federal regulations for initiatives expected to enhance the economy.

Proponents of the act argue that it is vital for reducing Canada’s reliance on the U.S. and countering economic challenges posed by President Donald Trump’s tariffs. However, the bill has faced criticism from Indigenous groups and environmental activists, who express concerns that accelerating project approvals could silence dissenting voices. The act does not specify which projects will be prioritized, but Carney has indicated a focus on developing energy corridors, including pipelines, electricity grids, and expanding mining and port facilities.

"This act will dismantle trade barriers, expedite nation-building projects, and foster economic growth while ensuring Indigenous partnerships are at the forefront," Carney asserted last week. The government argues the legislation will facilitate internal trade and labor mobility, allowing for swift approvals of projects deemed in the national interest—a point that has alarmed many Indigenous leaders who fear inadequate consultation before project greenlights.

The passage of the One Canadian Economy Act marks a significant achievement for Carney as it fulfills a commitment made during his election to eliminate interprovincial barriers by July 1. Amid the backdrop of tariffs imposed on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automotive industries by the U.S., Carney's administration aims to fortify the domestic economy in light of these external pressures.

However, Senator Paul Prosper of Nova Scotia, representing the Mi'kmaq Indigenous community, attempted to propose an amendment that would mandate securing consent from Indigenous groups before projects advance. He criticized the rapid progression of the bill without sufficient consultation and emphasized the necessity of balancing development with Indigenous rights. Meanwhile, Senator Hassan Yussuff, a supporter of the act, justified its urgency amid a pressing economic crisis, indicating broad divergence in perspectives regarding the law's implications for Indigenous communities and national development.

The legislation asserts that the government will consult Indigenous peoples before proceeding with fast-tracked projects, but the effectiveness and sincerity of these consultations remain closely scrutinized as the act takes effect.