Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith is calling for additional scrutiny and amendments to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s flagship major projects bill, urging the House of Commons to sit an extra week to properly study Bill C-5 before it’s passed.
Erskine-Smith, the only Liberal to vote against his government’s own closure motion on Monday, expressed deep concern over the speed with which the legislation is being pushed through Parliament. The closure motion, supported by both Liberals and Conservatives, limits debate and is set to fast-track the bill’s passage this week.
The Toronto-area MP, known for his independent streak, said in his ten years in Parliament he has “never seen a bill of this magnitude pushed through the House at such a pace.” While he supports the goal of expediting infrastructure and development projects, Erskine-Smith said the current version of the bill grants excessive power to the executive branch, which he believes could have long-term consequences.
“I want to see this bill studied more thoroughly and amended,” he said, warning that without those changes, the legislation could set a “dangerous precedent” by making it easier for a future Conservative government to weaken or bypass environmental protections.
Erskine-Smith made it clear he will only vote in favor of the bill if key clauses are revised to ensure greater accountability and legislative oversight.