# Canada Enacts Building Canada Strong Act

Canada's federal government has enacted the Building Canada Strong Act (Bill C-39) to accelerate the review and approval of major infrastructure projects nationwide. The legislation establishes a Transportation Projects Office to oversee strategic trade corridors and mandates project approvals within one year, aiming to reduce regulatory delays while maintaining environmental and Indigenous rights protections. It also introduces changes to the Canada Labour Code intended to reduce labor disruptions, impacting collective bargaining and strike actions relevant to infrastructure sectors. This law creates significant procurement opportunities for contractors in roads, rail, ports, and related infrastructure, particularly in provinces like Alberta where regulatory challenges have previously slowed project progress.

- The Act promises faster, more predictable procurement timelines, enabling contractors and investors to plan with greater certainty.
- Changes to labor laws may affect workforce availability and labor relations, requiring contractors to assess potential risks and adapt strategies accordingly.
- The establishment of the Transportation Projects Office centralizes oversight, potentially streamlining engagement with federal authorities for project approvals.
- Procurement professionals should monitor designation of priority projects, such as the West Coast pipeline, which may benefit from expedited review starting October 2026.
- Organizations involved in Canadian infrastructure should evaluate how these reforms impact supply chain reliability and investment decisions, especially in Alberta and other key provinces.

**Jurisdictions:** federal, international, sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 21, 2026

### Government Entities
- Government of Canada
- Government of Alberta
- Major Projects Office
- Canadian Labour Congress (CLC)
- House of Commons

### Key Quotes
> This will give business the confidence to invest in Canada, accelerate projects, and drive long-term growth and prosperity that protects the environment and upholds Indigenous rights.
> — Government of Canada statement

> Prime Minister Carney is using our fear and disorientation around the trade war to push through a series of unpopular measures that he did not run on, has no mandate for, and would never get away with under normal circumstances.
> — Avi Lewis, NDP Leader

> Canada’s unions will be watching (C-39) closely. The government has repeatedly said it will protect the right to strike. We welcome that commitment. Today, we expect to see what it means in practice.
> — Bea Bruske, President, Canadian Labour Congress

### Sources
- [Major federal infrastructure bill promises investors 'speed and certainty' for new projects | Canada's National Observer: Climate News](https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/09/21/news/major-federal-infrastructure-bill-promise-investors) - Canada's National Observer
- [Liberals table bill to accelerate major projects, change Labour Code](https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/politics/2026/09/21/liberals-table-bill-to-speed-up-major-projects-labour-groups-voice-concerns-about-impact-on-strike-action) - BNN Bloomberg
- [Alberta welcomes new federal fast-track infrastructure bill | Canada's National Observer: Climate News](https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/09/22/news/alberta-federal-fast-track-legislation-reaction) - Canada's National Observer