What is the One Canadian Economy Bill?
Canada’s Parliament passed the One Canadian Economy Bill, known as Bill C-5, which became law on June 26, 2025. The bill aims to make Canada’s economy stronger and more united by removing barriers that slow trade between provinces. Many businesses face challenges trading across provincial lines because different rules and approvals get in the way. Bill C-5 removes these obstacles to promote freer trade across the country.
This bill also supports large infrastructure projects that help grow the economy and improve development nationwide. It helps Canada address economic challenges like trade tensions with the United States. By encouraging freer internal trade and building key infrastructure, the bill works to build a stronger, more competitive Canadian economy.
Structure of the One Canadian Economy Bill
Bill C-5 has two main parts that work together to create a stronger, unified Canadian economy.
Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act
This part targets the everyday barriers that stop goods, services, and workers from moving freely between provinces and territories. Consequently, it ensures that if a product meets the rules in one province, it will be accepted by the federal government as meeting similar standards across Canada. This eliminates duplicate federal approvals, saving businesses time and money.
For workers, professional certifications earned in one province will now be recognized nationwide. Therefore, an electrician licensed in Alberta can work in Ontario without getting a new license. The goal is to make Canada function like one large market, where goods and labour can flow freely without provincial borders slowing them down.
Building Canada Act
The second part creates a new federal office called the Major Projects Office. It aims to speed up the approval and construction of major infrastructure projects that the government considers to be in Canada’s national interest. Generally, these projects include energy developments, transit expansions, pipelines, or mining operations. The office coordinates with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous governments to reduce red tape and streamline decisions, aiming to shrink federal approval times from about five years to two years.
Projects must be added to a special list through government orders after consultations with provinces and Indigenous groups. Once a project is designated, authorities focus on how it will be done rather than whether it will be approved, speeding up progress. Indigenous consultation remains mandatory, but some leaders worry about the impact of the government’s broad powers on Indigenous rights.
How will the One Canadian Economy Bill work?
Internal trade and labour mobility
If you earn a professional license in one province or territory, other provinces must recognize it. This means electricians, nurses, or tradespeople don’t need a new license to work anywhere in Canada. For goods and services, products approved in one province are sellable in others without extra federal approval.
Streamline major projects
The bill sets up a new Major Projects Office at the federal level. This office helps fast-track approval and construction of big infrastructure projects like pipelines and transit systems. It works with provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities to finish projects faster while addressing social and environmental concerns.
Indigenous consultation and partnership
The bill calls for meaningful talks and partnerships with Indigenous groups. However, some Indigenous leaders are concerned the bill doesn’t fully protect their legal rights or follow important frameworks like the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples or the Canadian Constitution.
Critics worry that consultation requirements may not fully protect Indigenous rights, and that the federal government has broad powers that could override Indigenous concerns and environmental protections.
Timeline and implementation
The government moved quickly to implement Bill C-5 and make its benefits available to Canadians:
- June 6, 2025: Bill C-5 was introduced in Parliament.
- June 20, 2025: The bill passed the House of Commons with broad support.
- June 26, 2025: Bill C-5 received Royal Assent, officially becoming law.
- July 1, 2025: Key parts of the bill, including recognition of professional licenses across provinces and removal of internal trade barriers, came into force.
- Summer 2025: The new federal Major Projects Office officially launched. Its role is to oversee and accelerate the approval process for infrastructure projects declared to be of “national interest.” Accordingly, the office coordinates closely with provinces, territories, and Indigenous groups to ensure timely progress and respect for environmental and social considerations.
- Next Several Years: The government plans ongoing consultations with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, and the public to decide which projects qualify for streamlined federal review, ensuring transparency and stakeholder involvement.
This timeline reflects the government’s commitment to quick action and cooperation across different levels of government and the community.
Impact of the One Canadian Economy Bill on Canadians
Bill C-5 will affect Canadians in multiple ways.
Economic advantages
By removing barriers to trade and labour mobility, the bill helps Canadian businesses sell products and services more easily across provincial borders. Therefore, more competition and innovation are created, which benefits consumers with better products and prices. Workers could gain more job opportunities without needing to get multiple certification requirements. The bill also aims to reduce regulatory delays, encouraging investments and job creation nationwide.
Benefits for businesses
Small and medium-sized businesses, often burdened by varying provincial rules, can access broader markets more quickly and with lower costs. The new Major Projects Office will help businesses involved in infrastructure by speeding up processes and providing clearer timelines.
Social and environmental considerations
The law includes requirements for Indigenous consultation and environmental assessments for major projects. However, some Indigenous groups and environmental advocates caution that the government’s new authority to designate “national interest projects” might override existing protections, risking harm to Indigenous rights and the environment. The bill calls for respect for Indigenous rights and climate goals. As of now, it leaves room for debate on enforceability. A lot will depend on implementation.
Concerns
Critics argue that Bill C-5 may centralize excessive power within the federal government, potentially limiting provincial authority and Indigenous self-determination. The federal minister overseeing the Major Projects Office can approve projects and bypass some provincial regulations.
Indigenous groups continue to speak about the importance of stronger protections, along with meaningful partnership in decision-making. The bill’s real impact will depend on how governments and Indigenous peoples cooperate and how fairly the law is applied.
The Carney government held a meeting with Indigenous leaders and promised to keep talking with them about Bill C-5. On the other hand, they have not changed the law to require Indigenous approval for projects. Many Indigenous groups say this is not enough because this law gives too much power to the federal government and weakens Indigenous rights. Some Indigenous groups are even suing over it.
Conclusion
Bill C-5, now the One Canadian Economy Act, aims to unify and strengthen Canada’s economy. It removes trade barriers and lets many professionals work across provinces. It streamlines and supports major infrastructure projects that support long-term growth. These measures aim to make Canada a stronger market for businesses and workers.
While the bill has raised some concerns about centralized federal power and Indigenous rights, it emphasizes partnership and a nation-building approach. Bill C-5 seeks to balance economic growth with respect for communities and the environment, helping Canada stay competitive globally. At the same time, we know that navigating complex challenges—whether on a national or personal level—can be difficult. If you’re currently having a hard time managing your finances, contact one of our trained credit counsellors for advice. They’ll help you figure out which debt relief strategy could be the right fit for your specific situation.
