Articles from Lapresse actualité

Canada's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Tim Hodgson, expressed hope that the government will announce infrastructure project approvals by autumn. A new office has been established to expedite major projects under recent legislation aimed at quickly approving significant national interest projects. The government has been consulting with stakeholders and is prioritizing projects related to electricity production and strategic minerals. The law allows for expedited permits based on criteria like economic benefits, Indigenous interests, and clean growth.

Ontario's government, led by Premier Doug Ford, is advancing plans for a new energy corridor connecting the province with Alberta by constructing pipelines. This initiative is partly driven by concerns about the potential closure of the existing Line 5 pipeline by Michigan. The corridor aims to improve Canada's energy security and boost economic opportunities, with an emphasis on using Canadian steel and involving Indigenous participation. While Ontario supports the plan, Quebec remains cautious, emphasizing the need for visible economic benefits before any pipeline project crosses its territory.

Indigenous leaders in Ontario are legally challenging federal and provincial legislation, specifically Bill C-5 and Bill 5, which aim to expedite infrastructure projects. They argue that these laws could harm the environment and infringe on Indigenous land and water rights. Chief June Black of the Apitipi Anicinapek Nation emphasizes the sacred duty to protect their lands, fearing that these laws could facilitate harmful mining operations. The legal challenge is launched before a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney, who asserts that the law allows for initial Indigenous consultations.

Nine First Nations in Ontario are challenging federal and provincial laws in court related to Bill C-5, which allows for expedited infrastructure project approvals by bypassing existing regulations. The legal contest is based on the assertion that these projects infringe on Indigenous rights. The leaders of these communities argue they are not against development, but stress the importance of conducting projects thoughtfully and carefully. Bill C-5 is intended to help Canadian development, especially in natural resources, proceed faster in response to tariffs imposed by the U.S.