56 Canadian Scientists Urge Changes to Carney’s Major Projects Bill Over Environmental Risks

More than 50 leading Canadian scientists and scholars have urged the federal government to amend proposed legislation aimed at speeding up major infrastructure projects, warning that it could cause serious and potentially irreversible environmental damage.

In an open letter published Thursday, 56 fellows of the Royal Society of Canada outlined six proposed amendments to Bill C-39, known as the Building Canada Strong Act. They support streamlining project approvals but argue that some provisions should be changed or removed to protect ecosystems, wildlife, natural resources and public health.

Scientists Raise Environmental Concerns

Sarah Otto, a zoology professor at the University of British Columbia and one of the signatories, told CTV News that the proposed legislation could weaken existing environmental protections and allow ministers to dismiss conditions imposed on projects.

Otto said the group prepared the letter because of the speed at which the bill was progressing through Parliament. She warned that environmental damage could have lasting consequences for future generations.

The Royal Society of Canada clarified that it did not organise the letter, although its president, Françoise Baylis, said the organisation supports members who use their expertise to contribute to important public discussions.

Bill Seeks Faster Project Approvals

Introduced by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government during the fall parliamentary sitting, Bill C-39 aims to accelerate approvals for major energy and infrastructure projects. It also proposes a streamlined federal assessment process, with assessments targeted for completion within one year, and the creation of zones of national interest.

Business and industry groups have welcomed the proposed changes, while labour organisations have raised concerns about provisions affecting collective bargaining and workers’ right to strike.

The government maintains that the legislation will preserve environmental standards and Indigenous rights while making it easier to deliver major projects.

Concerns Over Parliamentary Review

The bill is being reviewed by a dedicated House of Commons committee. According to the report, 11 of its 12 members had voted in favour of the legislation at second reading, while Bloc Québécois MP Gabriel Ste-Marie voted against it.

Green Party MP Elizabeth May and New Democratic Party MPs were not included on the committee despite seeking permission to participate. NDP Parliamentary Leader Don Davies criticised the limited opportunity for witnesses, arguing that Parliament should hear from a broad range of Canadians before making changes to the law.

The scientists who signed the letter have also requested an opportunity to appear before the committee, but had not been invited at the time of the report.

Federal Government Defends the Bill

Environment, Climate Change and Nature Minister Julie Dabrusin’s office rejected suggestions that the legislation would compromise environmental standards.

In a statement to CTV News, the minister’s press secretary, Amy Falkner, said environmental assessments would continue to consider environmental, health and social effects, alongside Indigenous and traditional knowledge. Projects would also remain subject to legally binding conditions and mitigation measures.

Under the committee’s schedule, proposed amendments are due by November 4, with a detailed, clause-by-clause review planned for mid-November.

CTV News