Canada’s Parliament is back in session with debate intensifying over the federal government’s major projects legislation, putting Prime Minister Mark Carney’s economic agenda under renewed scrutiny.

The Building Canada Strong Act, Bill C-39, is a 243-page economic and labour bill designed to speed up approvals for major infrastructure and energy projects. The legislation proposes a one-year timeline for certain federal project decisions and would create “regions of national interest” where some projects could receive streamlined approvals.

Opposition MPs have questioned whether the proposed system will actually accelerate construction, while also raising concerns about how the government would determine which projects receive priority. The legislation is expected to move toward committee study, with a special parliamentary committee proposed for its detailed review.

The bill also proposes changes to federal labour rules, including circumstances in which the jobs minister could intervene during a strike or lockout. Supporters say the changes could reduce work stoppages, while critics have raised concerns about workers’ rights and the scope of ministerial powers.

Bill C-39 remains at second reading in the House of Commons as of October 5, making its parliamentary progress a major political issue as MPs return for the fall sitting.