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Federal ministers defend major projects bill at House committee meeting
Ministers defend Bill C-39 at House committee
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Four federal ministers are defending the government's contentious legislation to speed up major projects in the House of Commons today, as Ottawa continues to face criticism from Indigenous, environment and labour groups.
The 243-page bill would fast-track approvals for major projects, cut their review times and create zones of "national interest" to pre-approve certain types of projects.
Labour leaders and union members gathered across Canada last week to protest Bill C-39, arguing the legislation would undermine workers' right to strike.
A collective of First Nations groups has also condemned the legislation, arguing it would weaken environmental oversight and strip away their ability to influence decisions affecting their territories.
Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said today that Bill C-39 does not reduce Ottawa's requirement to consult with Indigenous rights holders and "a more efficient process does not mean a less rigorous one."
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said the legislation looks to reduce administrative burdens while also maintaining strong safety and environmental standards.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2026.
By Catherine Morrison | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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U.S. won’t drop digital issues in trade talks: former negotiator
U.S. won’t drop digital issues: former negotiator
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Canada’s former chief trade negotiator says that while digital issues will continue to be a source of trade tensions with the U.S., Canada can gain strength if it teams up with other allies that have similar interests.
Steve Verheul says the United States won’t simply drop issues like the Online News Act and digital sovereignty that it has identified as trade irritants.
He says the cultural exemption Canada has under the current trade agreement can only go so far because it allows the Americans to automatically retaliate if it is used.
Verheul says the United States views policies targeting big tech companies as discriminatory, and it’s difficult to design non-discriminatory policies because of how many of the largest digital companies are American.
He says Canada needs to work more closely with allies like the European Union to develop a more united position on digital issues.
Canada cut off the latest round of trade negotiations with the United States in August, citing American demands related to rules on Canadian content on streaming platforms.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2026.
By Anja Karadeglija | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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Canadians step up to give blood after fire at Alberta military base kills four
Canadians step up to give blood after base fire
Canadian Blood Services says it has been "deeply moved" by a surge in public support following a deadly fire at a military base in Wainwright, Alta.
Defence officials have said 84 members of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry were in a training area of CFB Wainwright, southeast of Edmonton, when a fire struck Saturday.
Strong and sudden winds sent flames from a nearby grass fire across the Prairie landscape at lightning speed, killing four and sending 39 to hospital, 19 in critical condition.
Among the dead are Sgt. Morgan Wong of Edmonton, Pte. Shaun Farrell of Prince Albert, Sask., Pte. Aidan Goulding of North Vancouver, and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark of Langley, B.C.
Canadian Blood Services said in a statement Sunday that those who want to help by donating blood are encouraged to do so in the coming days and weeks.
Canadian Blood Services says the response from Canadians is a testament to their generosity and the importance of maintaining a well-prepared blood system.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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