Introduced on September 21, 2026, by the federal government, Bill C-39 (Building Canada Strong Act) is an omnibus legislative package aimed at fast-tracking major infrastructure, natural resource projects, and interprovincial trade. While the BEA applauds the government’s desire to strengthen Canada’s economy by accelerating infrastructure growth, we share the concerns of respected environmental groups, first nations leaders, and labour organizations, who say this Bill is a dangerous attack on environmental protection, the right to strike, and indigenous consultation. These elements are what makes Canada a fair and just society based on the sustainability of our natural resources for generations now and in the future. When combined with legislation that also attacks environmental protection at the Provincial level, (see post about Ontario’s Bill 140), Bill C-39 leaves the door wide open for unchecked environmental degradation in a time when we are facing climate catastrophe and unprecedented loss of biodiversity. This cannot stand unopposed.
A few months back I wrote to my local MP Ruby Sahota on behalf of the BEA. In my note I expressed concern about the Government of Canada’s discussion paper entitled, “Getting Major Projects Built in Canada”. I published the letter in a previous post. I’ve included the MP’s response below which I received today.
I’m thankful to receive a response and heartened by its thorougness and sincerity. I would have preferred, however, if there had been more specifics to address my concerns about the removal of environmental protections and to indicate how the discussion paper would be modified to provide balance between short-term economic growth and long-term environmental sustainability. At least the government appears to be addressing water and marine ecosystems as a starting point. They are asking for our feedback on this, so let me know what you think after looking at the links provided below. You can add your voice to the BEA or craft your own response.
I’d also be interested in your impression overall. Is our Canadian government striking the right balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability? Take a look at MP Sahota’s letter below and let me know what you think.
Dear David,
Thank you for taking the time to write to me and for sharing such a thoughtful submission on the Government of Canada’s proposals for getting major projects built in Canada. I appreciate you taking the time to outline your concerns and to share the perspective of the Brampton Environmental Alliance.
I know how strongly you and the Alliance have advocated for responsible environmental stewardship over the years, and I appreciate the important point you have raised about finding the right balance between economic development and protecting Canada’s natural environment.
We have been clear that we are not just building Canada, we are building it well. That means creating the infrastructure and economic opportunities Canadians need while protecting our environment, respecting Indigenous rights, and ensuring that projects are developed responsibly.
Marine conservation is both a moral responsibility and a national priority. This means working in partnership with Indigenous peoples, protecting valued waters and species, and respecting local ways of life, while also ensuring that critical infrastructure and key shipping routes remain safe and resilient. This balanced approach can support good jobs, strengthen tourism, and attract long-term investment in modern, sustainable infrastructure.
Water is also at the heart of Canada’s identity, economy, and security. Protecting it is not optional, but fundamental. That is why our government is taking action to safeguard our lakes, rivers, and wetlands through strong measures that protect biodiversity and keep our waters healthy for future generations.
We are also developing Canada’s first National Water Security Strategy to address our biggest freshwater challenges and strengthen water security for communities, the environment, and the economy. Healthy freshwater ecosystems are essential to biodiversity, culture, and the resilience of communities facing challenges such as flooding and drought.
As part of this work, we are seeking input from Canadians on how we can strengthen water security across the country. Given your experience and the work of the Brampton Environmental Alliance, I would encourage you to share your views through the public engagement process. You can participate here. Responses are welcome until October 25th, 2026
To build Canada strong, we must build it together. Our approach is grounded in collaboration with provinces, territories, Indigenous partners, communities, and stakeholders to grow our industries, attract investment, create good jobs, and reduce emissions. Supporting our economy and protecting our environment are not competing goals. They can, and must, be pursued together to secure Canada’s leadership and a stronger, more resilient future.
Thank you again, David, for sharing your perspective and for the work you continue to do through the Brampton Environmental Alliance. I truly appreciate hearing from constituents, like you, and I value our ongoing conversations on these issues, and look forward to continuing to hear your thoughts as this work moves forward. Please continue to reach out to my office regarding matters that are important to you.
As regular readers of this space know, I’ve been critical of the Provincial Government’s environmental track record over the past several years. The list of issues is varied and long, From energy to transportation, conservation authorities to municipal land use decisions, the government’s policies have resulted in the systematic disempowerment of environmnetal protections and environmental oversight bodies.
This, while facilitating increased pollution and carbon emissions, all in the name of economic growth, affordable homes, and or creating new jobs. These objectives aren’t bad. It’s only that our quality of life and even life itself is dependent on having robust ecosystems that provide us with valuable services such as the air we breathe, the water we drink and a comfortable climate in which we live. It is possible to protect the environment while still having a robust economy as shown by countries such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands. It takes balance and creative policy making, traits our current Provincial government seems to lack.
The Ontario government is once again proposing sweeping changes to Provincial Conservation Authorities. Since the PC Party of Ontario came to power in 2019 it has passed several pieces of legislation limiting the powers of Ontario’s conservation authorities. This latest proposal represents the most significant change to date. Why should you care?
On October 29th, BEA members Rajbalinder and Aneet were at Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School in support of their community engagement event that included parent interviews. Harold M. Brathwaite is a school of approximately 1,700 students with programs including: International Baccalaureate (IB), Specialist High Skills Major in Justice and Business Studies, International Student Program, Developmental Disabilities Program.
Members of the BEA attended two school community events earlier this month.
BEA members, Gunjan, Yarim, Bill, pose with Noura from W.G. Davis SPS
On October 8th, Ghazanfar, Yarim, Gunjan, and Rajbalinder attended the W. G. Davis Senior Public School Open House. One-Planet Living and Plant-Based Treaty were among the topics discussed with students and parents.
The Provincial Government continued its attack on environmental sustainability this past week, by passing Bill 5 “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act” and Bill 17, Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025″. They did so despite strong opposition from environmental groups, opposition parties, and First Nations Peoples.
The Ontario Government is proposing to introduce another in a series of sweeping policies designed to streamline development application processes and energize Ontario’s economy at the expense of maintaining environmental protections. The latest initiative is Bill 5, “Protecting Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025”. Bill 5 aims to speed up development on projects including mining northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire, adding more landfill space in York Region, and exempting the Therme Spa development project from public consultation and review.
If passed by the Provincial legislature, Bill 5 would:
Your BEA team is taking advantage of April being Earth Month to participate in various activities to promote environmental awareness. Check out the sections below including: Parent Teacher Night at Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School, Sustainable Procurement Workshop at the Rose Theatre, Reconnect Brampton’s Sip & Stroll Nature Walk in Downtown Brampton, Earth Day Event at McCandless Park, CVC Fletchers Creek SNAP Workshop at Brampton City Hall
Saturday March 22nd was a busy day for the BEA supporting two community tables.
In the morning, the Bramalea Community Network hosted a Health and Wellness Day at the Knightsbridge Seniors Centre. About 30 neighbourhood residents attended including seniors from the Centre as well as families from the surrounding community.
