OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney's government is set to introduce a significant piece of legislation aimed at dismantling federal trade barriers. This initiative, known as the "One Canadian Economy" bill, is designed to recognize provincial rules and streamline the approval process for major energy and infrastructure projects. The bill will be formally introduced on Friday and is titled "An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act."

The proposed legislation targets the existing overlap between provincial and federal regulations, particularly concerning labor. The federal government hopes to garner unanimous support from all political parties to expedite the bill's passage. However, opposition from at least one party has already emerged. Bloc Québécois House leader Christine Normandin stated on Wednesday that her party intends to thoroughly examine the bill and consult experts in parliamentary committees, which are not yet operational. "For the interest of the population that we represent, we’re going to do the work," she said.

Prime Minister Carney is expected to address the media regarding the legislation around 12:30 PM on Friday. In addition to addressing trade barriers, the bill proposes the establishment of a new federal major projects office. This office aims to streamline the regulatory process, reducing the approval timeline for major projects from five years to just two.

Earlier this week, Carney and provincial premiers agreed on criteria for identifying projects that would be considered in the "national interest," allowing them to be fast-tracked. Key requirements include Indigenous participation, potential for clean growth, and a high likelihood of success.

The federal government has assured that the proposed bill will adhere to its constitutional duty to consult First Nations. However, the Assembly of First Nations has expressed the need to review the full text of the bill for legal analysis. They have raised concerns that the approach could pose a "serious threat" to treaty rights. On Friday, the Assembly reiterated its apprehensions, stating, "The Assembly of First Nations remains deeply concerned about the lack of time and appropriate process to carry out the Crown’s consultation and consent obligations, especially given the potentially massive impact on the rights of First Nations."

As the government prepares to unveil this ambitious legislation, the implications for trade, infrastructure, and Indigenous rights remain at the forefront of discussions.