Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says the federal government’s plan to fast-track major infrastructure projects by circumventing the existing Impact Assessment Act does not go far enough to address Canada’s pressing development needs.
Speaking to reporters in Ottawa today, Poilievre acknowledged the government’s effort to introduce a new “national interest” bill aimed at accelerating nation-building projects through a streamlined regulatory approval process. However, he criticized the initiative as inadequate, arguing that the broader legislative framework of the Impact Assessment Act—also known as Bill C-69—continues to deter progress.
Poilievre reiterated his long-standing opposition to the Act, calling it “the worst approval system in the world.” He stated that while some projects may benefit from the proposed changes, many others may never be proposed as long as the existing regulatory regime remains in place.
While he declined to confirm whether the Conservative Party will support the bill without reviewing its full contents, Poilievre emphasized that a more comprehensive overhaul is needed to restore confidence among investors and developers.
The federal government’s proposed legislation is part of a broader strategy to accelerate key infrastructure developments, particularly as Canada seeks to reduce its economic dependence on the United States amid growing geopolitical and trade uncertainties.