Not Repealing Bill C-69 is a Mistake

The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA), whose member companies and their workers build major infrastructure and capital projects across Canada, believes that Canada’s regulatory approvals process must be fixed to allow for faster, clearer and more objective approvals for projects of national interest.

 Today’s announcement by Prime Minister Carney makes it clear that he intends to double down on the same flawed approach. Rather than repeal Bill C-69 — legislation that has stalled, and in some cases outright cancelled critical natural resource projects — he’s choosing to entrench it. Since its passage, more than 25 major resource and infrastructure projects have been delayed or abandoned altogether, costing billions in lost investment and thousands of potential jobs.

 “If we’re going to build a stronger Canada, that means getting energy and natural resource projects built now, without further delay,” said Paul de Jong, President & CEO of PCA. “More of the same old thinking will continue to delay jobs, investment and growth. Canada truly requires a much different approach, if it’s going to reinvent a resilient and ‘tariff resistant’ economy.”

 PCA launched the Let’s Get Building campaign during this federal election. It’s aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of getting nationbuilding projects underway without further delay.

 To learn more about that campaign, go to: letsgetbuilding.ca.

You can read Paul de Jong’s latest commentary on this issue at the Hub.