Canada tables 'One Canadian Economy' Bill to boost domestic trade and infrastructure

Prime Minister Mark Carney's government introduced Bill C-5, the "One Canadian Economy" bill, aiming to dismantle interprovincial trade barriers and expedite infrastructure project approvals. This initiative seeks to unify Canada's internal market, addressing trade tensions with the U.S. The bill targets federal obstacles to trade and labor mobility, potentially boosting the Canadian economy by $200 billion annually.
Prime Minister Mark Carney's government has introduced Bill C-5 to dismantle interprovincial trade barriers, expedite major infrastructure projects and to boost domestic trade. It will unify Canada's internal market amid rising trade tensions with the US. (Image Credit: AP)
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Legislative Outlook
Prime Minister Mark Carney 's government has introduced Bill C-5 , the "One Canadian Economy" bill, to dismantle interprovincial trade barriers and expedite the approval of major infrastructure projects. This legislative move seeks to unify Canada 's fragmented internal market and strengthen its economy amid escalating trade tensions with the United States.It was tabled after a first ministers' meeting in Saskatoon, during which Prime Minister Mark Carney , premiers, and territorial leaders discussed expediting major projects and interprovincial trade. The proposed legislation targets the elimination of federal obstacles to interprovincial trade and labor mobility.Carney said that these internal barriers cost the Canadian economy approximately $200 billion annually. By aligning federal regulations with those of the provinces and territories, the bill will create a cohesive national market for the free movement of goods, services, and labor across Canada.'With the 'One Canadian Economy' bill, we are aligning federal rules and regulations with those from the provinces and territories, helping to create one market, not 13,' Carney said on Friday, June 6.The Canadian Chamber of Commerce supported the initiative, noting that while it may not entirely counteract the effects of a trade war with the US, it represents a significant step toward internal economic integration.Matthew Holmes, the Chamber's chief of public policy, stated that eliminating exceptions to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement is a logical progression toward true free trade within Canada.In addition to addressing trade barriers, the bill proposes a streamlined process for approving major infrastructure projects deemed of national interest. The government plans to establish a federal office dedicated to expediting project approvals, potentially reducing timelines from up to a decade to just two years.Eligible projects would include those in the energy, mining, and transportation sectors, provided they offer significant economic and environmental benefits, such as carbon emission reductions and support for Indigenous communities.Respecting provincial governments' autonomy, Carney has assured that no projects will proceed without their consent.However, some provinces, including Alberta and British Columbia, have expressed differing views on specific projects.The introduction of the "One Canadian Economy" bill comes in the wake of increased US tariffs on Canadian exports. Carney has labeled these tariffs as "unlawful" and emphasized the need for Canada to bolster its domestic economy.Carney's approach includes engaging with the oil industry to balance environmental goals with economic growth.Discussions have centered around supporting new pipelines and carbon capture initiatives, aiming to position Canada as an energy leader while reducing reliance on U.S. markets.The government wants to pass the "One Canadian Economy" bill before Parliament's summer recess, though the timeline remains tight. As a minority government, the Liberals will need to garner support from opposition parties to ensure the bill's passage.The outcome will significantly influence Canada's economic strategy and its ability to navigate current and future trade challenges.This legislative effort represents a bold move toward unifying Canada's internal market and enhancing its economic sovereignty. If successful, it could pave the way for increased domestic trade, improved infrastructure, and a more resilient national economy.

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First Post

an hour ago

• First Post

This Week in Explainers: Should a lunch between Trump and Asim Munir really worry India?

Pakistan's General Asim Munir visited the US and in what came as a surprising development had lunch with Donald Trump. It's unusual for a military chief to receive an invitation from a sitting US president. But should this meeting bother India? We analyse in our weekly roundup read more US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir for lunch at the White House on Wednesday (June 18). It is unusual for the president to meet a military head of a foreign nation, say experts. File photo/AP It's been over a week since Israel and Iran have been attacking each other. There is a possibility that the US might join Israel's war against the Islamic Republic; Donald Trump is considering his options. India has been treading cautiously; it has strategic ties with both nations. However, it is impossible not to be affected by tensions in West Asia – from oil to trade routes, there is a lot at stake. Also, there are thousands of Indians living in both countries. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD New Delhi has been keeping a close eye on West Asia. Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a call from his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, where he shared 'India's concerns'. India also launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate its nationals caught in these conflict zones. This week has been a busy one for PM Modi. He first stopped at Cyprus, before he headed for the G7 summit in Canada. On his way back, he visited Croatia. The Air India plane crash continues to hold the interest of our readers. While the investigation is ongoing, it is too early to say what caused the accident. However, several theories have been doing the rounds, including one by an aviation expert about a possible cockpit error and the pilots deploying an emergency power system before the crash. Amid this speculation, the black box, which is crucial to the probe, has been recovered but is damaged . We talk about all this and more in our weekly roundup. 1. With each passing day, the Israel-Iran conflict has been escalating. The tensions have big implications for India. What could it mean for New Delhi? From oil prices to trade routes, from student safety to aviation, there are plenty of reasons to worry. This story explains. 2. Living in Iran is hellish as Israel continues to bombard it with missiles. Stranded in the Islamic Republic are thousands of Indian students. While India has launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate them, many students, still caught in the middle of the war, fear for their lives. Most of them are aspiring doctors. But why do so many pick Iran to study medicine? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indian students returning from Iran via Armenia, under an evacuation operation facilitated by the Government of India. They are seen exiting from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on June 19. More than 100 students from Kashmir Valley reached New Delhi early Thursday. PTI 3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known for his diplomacy. This week, before he headed to Canada, he visited Cyprus. He is the first Indian PM to visit the country in over two decades. Was the visit a message to Turkey, with whom ties are tense after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan supported Pakistan during Operation Sindoor? Why does Cyprus matter to India? We explain . 4. Since 2023, ties between India and Canada have deteriorated. It looks like that is about to change under Prime Minister Mark Carney. The Canadian leader invited PM Modi to the G7 summit, and the two held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the gathering in Kananaskis, Alberta. They have agreed to hit reset. Here's how . Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands before posing for a photo during the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, in Alberta, Canada, on June 17. Reuters 5. More than a week after the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, the speculation over the cause of the tragedy continues. Many theories have emerged. Aviation expert Captain Steve wonders if the pilots may have accidentally retracted the flaps instead of the landing gear during the initial climb. Another possibility is that the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) might have deployed shortly after its takeoff. Our stories try to decode all of this. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 6. Air India remains under the scanner after the Ahmedabad plane crash. Questions are being raised about safety. This week, there were incidents of emergency landings and technical glitches. While one flight took a U-turn after takeoff, another asked passengers to deplane at a stopover. What's going on? The tail of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane that crashed is seen stuck on a building after the incident in Ahmedabad, India, on June 12. In the aftermath of the crash, Air India continues to cancel several flights. Reuters 7. The India-Pakistan water war is ongoing. After India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, the neighbouring nation is struggling with lower levels of water in its dams. Now, India is mulling another big move – a 113-km canal to redirect excess water from Jammu & Kashmir towards Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. Will it deal another blow to Pakistan? Water flows on the banks of Chenab River with the Baglihar hydroelectric project in the background, about 155 km northwest of Jammu. India is conducting a feasibility study to construct a 113 km-long canal to redirect surplus flow from the three western rivers of the Indus water system to Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. File photo/Reuters 8. Talking about Pakistan, its army chief, Asim Munir, was in the US . While his invitation to Trump's military parade was a rumour, Munir had lunch with Potus. It's the first such instance of a sitting US president dining with the military chief of another country. Does it signal a tightening of ties? Should India be concerned? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 9. The Meghalaya honeymoon murder case continues to unravel. Chilling details have emerged about how Raja Raghuvanshi was murdered. Police say that two machetes were used and three blows were struck at his body before he was dumped into a gorge in the East Khasi Hills. Find out more in this report . 10. Our last story is a heartbreaking one. Arrowhead, one of Ranthambore's famous tigresses, died after battling bone cancer. She was the granddaughter of Machli, arguably the most photographed tigress in the world. Like Machli, Arrowhead also slayed a crocodile… two days before she breathed her last. This is her story . Ranthambore's famous tigress died after a battle with cancer. She is the daughter of Krishna and the granddaughter of the legendary Machli. Image courtesy: Fotokatha These are our recommendations on stories about India that you shouldn't miss. Happy reading. You will find more such explainers here .

Deccan Herald

an hour ago

• Deccan Herald

Of old friendships and cold shoulders

Good morning readers and welcome to another edition of DH's political theatre. This week a heavy silence hung above the country as families of those who perished in the tragic crash of AI171 waited in sorrow to receive the remains of their family members. There were many among this crowd who had tinges of hope that those who were termed 'missing' will be found somewhere out there. Sadly, this wasn't the case for many as DNA testing proved that the worst had come true. The aftermath of the crash saw an outpouring of grief and rage at the cruel tragedy which snatched the lives of more than 200 people in a single devastating moment. As India grapples with the calamity that had befallen, let's also turn our attention to events that dominated the political arena this week:.C-ing the world in 4 days .This week Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on an expedition beginning with Cyprus. In his meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides, he promised to uphold Cyprus' independence. By promising their recognition, and Canada ignited by the murder of Khalistani Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, both the countries have decided to respect each other and rebuild their relationship. In line with this, they have decided to return Indian and Canadian High Commissioners to Ottawa and New Delhi, respectively. Unfortunately, not all relationships are working. There seems to be a bit of snag in his burgeoning relationship with US President Donald Trump who too had come to attend the summit. But more on that attending the G7 summit, Modi made history by becoming the first Indian prime minister to visit Croatia. Here as well, the Indian prime minister held talks with Croatia's leadership and aimed to boost ties. .Frosty relations up North .PM Modi and Donald Trump's warm relationship, which many believed was achieved due to the Indian Premier's huglomacy, has taken a bit of a tumble. While India made amends with one country in North America, icy winds slowly shifted to the other. Modi and Trump were supposed to meet on the sidelines of G7, but the US president decided to leave the summit early due to the conflict in the Middle East. Moreover, a very interesting guest was making an appearance at the White House: Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir. But prior to this meeting, Modi had dialled Trump and reiterated that India has never accepted and will never accept mediation by any third party to settle issues with Pakistan. Unfortunately, Trump didn't give any heed to Modi's clarification and once again stated that he being a 'harbinger' of peace had brought forth a ceasefire between the two 'warring' while meeting Pakistan's latest Field Marshall, Trump expressed his desire to do trade with the country. This meeting has come as a huge blow to PM Modi as earlier the United States of America had publicly claimed that Pakistan was a 'safe haven for terrorists' and now it seems they are making some sort of an 'alliance', leaving India alone to tackle with its notorious neighbour and leaving Modi sans a home, the Congress party wasted no time in pointing out Modi's flaws and criticising the 'fantastic man' (a term Trump recently called Modi). They said that Trump's lunch with Munir was a "huge blow" to Indian English egos and Hindi sparks a political debate—which can percolate to the masses— quite like language, and this week stands testimony to that. The week began with a controversial move by the Maharashtra government to make 'Hindi' a mandatory 3rd language in schools. But, after receiving intense backlash from both the opposition and literary bodies, the government 'amended' its order by saying that Hindi will "generally" be the third language. Amongst the people involved in the backlash was Raj Thackeray, who was leading the chant. He asked what was the need to "impose" Hindi on students and appealed to schools in Maharashtra to foil the government's "hidden agenda to deliberately create a language divide".While Maharashtra was grappling with such issues, Union Minister Amit Shah too dabbled in language politics, albeit with his own 'dialect'. Maybe in a bid to appease the masses, the home minister made a contentious statement which left many people puzzled at a book launch event. He said 'the time is not far that those speaking English in the country will start to feel ashamed'.This statement invoked a backlash from the opposition, with many saying it showcases a "restrictive and narrow-minded" political view. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi too retaliated and said that BJP-RSS doesn't want the poor to learn English as it empowers them to ask questions. .Tharoor's coup d'état? Tussle with Congress carries on .While Congress was busy packing a punch at the BJP, they too got a shock when one of their own made it to the limelight for openly defying the leadership. Shashi Tharoor, the man who recently led a delegation to the US and several other countries in the Americas, admitted that he doesn't toe the line of the ringmasters and does have a 'difference of opinion' with some colleagues in the party. This reaction comes on the heels of the Thiruvananthapuram MP claiming that his invitation got lost in the mail for the campaign at Nilambur by-poll in Kerala..'We were never apart': Bharat milap .Maharashtra isn't the only state privy to old family reunions. After Uddhav and Raj Thackeray's possible reunification, politicians from Rajasthan too followed suit. In a peculiar turn of events, Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot have decided to let go of their feud and mend their differences Later on, Gehlot even feigned surprise and said, 'When were we apart? We were never apart.' .BJP, Congress at each other's throats, a move which BJP labelled as 'minority appeasement', the Karnataka government hiked the minority reservation in housing schemes from 10 to 15%. The party defended themselves against the naysayers by retailing, 'Why do you smell political motives?' But the BJP didn't back down and said that Congress was snatching the rights of SCs, STs, OBCs and EWS. In other news, the Tamil Nadu CM is at loggerheads with the Centre. M K Stalin made sharp remarks at the government for demanding additional evidence from archaeologist K Amarnath Ramakrishna on the Sangam Era site of Keeladi. Ramakrishna was relieved from his role as Director (Antiquity) in the ASI and transferred to Greater Noida. This comes in the wake of him being asked to rework on his report of the first two phases of excavation in Keeladi. DMK and the BJP are currently engaged in a tussle over the interpretation of findings from Keeladi excavation. Stalin remarked that demanding of more information is a 'blatant attack' on Tamil puts Israel's Iron dome to test.A week after Israel launched a barrage of missiles at Iran and eliminated its military top brass along with many of its scientists who were involved with the country's nuclear programme, Iran decided it had had the stewardship of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the West Asian country appointed a new league of leaders and began retaliating with more missiles, including the Fattah-1 hypersonic ballistic missile, at its Jewish neighbour. These missiles were able to pose a challenge to Israel's Iron dome system and also succeeded in striking a hospital in Beersheba. This attack on the hospital came as a grave insult to Israel who vowed to eliminate Khamenei at all this midst of all this tension, India too had its worries. Many people who were stranded in the two 'warring' nations had to brought home, which led PM Modi to launch Operation of peace mulling to join the war .If we turn our attention to the North American superpower, the president of that country seems to be in a fix. During the initial days, Trump called for Iran's unconditional surrender, but Iran, in turn, retaliated by saying, 'US military intervention will have irreparable damage'. Moreover, it also emphasised that it would not discuss the future of its nuclear programme while under attack by Israel. Now the man, who claims to be the harbinger of peace, is himself mulling whether he should join the war or not. .That's all for this week, we will be back with more next week. Till then, stay safe and stay tuned to DH to catch all the breaking news and latest Stage Left,DH Newsletters Team

Time of India

2 hours ago

• Time of India

Operation Sindhu: India to evacuate Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens from Iran; issues emergency helplines

Tehran, Iran (AP photo) NEW DELHI: India on Saturday announced it will extend its evacuation efforts in Iran to include citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka, following formal requests from the two neighbouring nations. The move comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East triggered by Israel's Operation Rising Lion aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions, to which Tehran has responded with retaliatory actions. 'In response to the requests from the Governments of Nepal and Sri Lanka, the Indian Embassy's evacuation efforts in Iran will also cover citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka,' the Indian Embassy in Tehran stated in a post on X. The embassy also issued emergency contact numbers and advised citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka to urgently reach out through Telegram or via the designated emergency lines: +989010144557, +989128109115, and +989128109109. India has launched its evacuation efforts under Operation Sindhu to bring home Indian nationals stranded in high-risk zones due to the deteriorating security situation in Iran. On Saturday morning, a special flight carrying Indian citizens landed in Delhi from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. This followed another successful evacuation late Friday night, when 290 Indian students -- primarily from Jammu and Kashmir -- returned safely from Mashhad, Iran, after Tehran reopened its airspace.