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ARTICLE · 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

Bill C-39 Aims To Speed Up Federal Reviews And Project Decisions

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
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The amendments streamline multi-agency processes by designating a single responsible authority for each project and enabling one unified federal approval and the creation of a Transportation Project Office.

CanadaEnvironment
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
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Key takeaways

  • Bill C-39 targets a one-year timeline for federal project reviews and decisions, backed by a parallel Cabinet Directive to keep departments accountable.
  • The amendments streamline multi-agency processes by designating a single responsible authority for each project and enabling one unified federal approval and the creation of a Transportation Project Office.
  • Decision-makers must now consider the technical, economic and practical feasibility of permit conditions.

On Monday, September 21, 2026, the first day of the fall sitting of the House of Commons, the federal government tabled Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act.1  The legislation builds on previous measures (including Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act2) to improve the impact assessment and regulatory processes for major projects.3 The bill, organized in three parts, proposes amendments relating to project evaluations, supply chains and the workforce.

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