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Carney’s Moves on Labour and Environment Could Create an Opening for the Opposition
The bill would let Ottawa pre-approve projects in national interest zones and give the labour minister new powers to stop strikes, critics say.
Bill C-39, the "Building Canada Strong Act," proposes granting the government new powers to fast-track major infrastructure projects and end labour disputes in federally regulated industries.
Labour critics argue the "national interest" trigger grants Ottawa excessive power to quash strikes; Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu claims the legislation includes guardrails requiring mediator reports before action.
Conservative labour critic Kyle Seeback denounced the government's "unprecedented" use of Section 107, saying "They've made such a mess of labor relations." Former NDP national director Matthew Green pledged the party would stand "shoulder to shoulder" with striking workers.
Angus Reid Institute president Shachi Kurl noted that "lifelong Liberals" feel alienated by environmental policies; Green sees opportunity in upcoming byelections in Montreal and Toronto where NDP support surged nearly 20 points.
Former NDP strategist Jordan Leichnitz advised the party to focus criticism on local environmental issues rather than defending the status quo, cautioning that the bill includes union-supported wage theft measures requiring careful targeting.