From coast to coast, concerned citizens gathered outside the offices of their local members of parliament to ask that they vote "no" on Bill C-39.
The Building Canada Strong Act — which is set to go to final vote in the coming weeks — is omnibus legislation introduced in September that aims to speed up approval times for major projects, strengthen supply chains, and modify the national labour code.
"Canada is a country of high standards, but high standards do not require slow decisions," Prime Minister Mark Carney said. "Our government is bringing speed, certainty, and predictability to how we build, so investors know that when Canada says it wants something built, Canadians will get it built."
Critics have argued that it would negatively impact the environment, First Nations, and workers' rights.
A number of protests took place in the Lower Mainland, including at Vancouver-Granville MP Taleeb Noormohamed's office.
Attendees held signs reading, "Protect our future," "Don't bulldoze workers' rights," "Orcas over oil," and more. They cited the acceleration of Roberts Bank Terminal 2 and Pacific Link projects as concerning actions taken by the federal government.
"Vancouver’s pride in its whale populations’ return will be short-lived after the massive increase in tanker traffic directly impacts our resident killer whales’ ability to forage, feed, communicate and travel," civilian spokesperson Maria J. Cruz said in a statement, arguing that the aforementioned projects are "putting their lives and the rest of the ecosystem at risk."
She was among those who signed an open letter to Noormohamed
"You need to know that your constituents reject this dangerous legislation," it states. "Rights hard fought for throughout the history of our country — for clean air and water, for our environment and endangered species, rights of Canadian labour and First Nations — these are not red tape. They are rights we need to protect."
The letter goes on to argued that Bill C-39 "makes it easier for corporations to get major projects approved while making it harder for workers, communities and Indigenous nations to protect their rights."
"Canada needs jobs, investment and infrastructure," it continues. "But that doesn't mean corporations should set the terms while workers, communities and Indigenous nations pay the price. A country that puts corporate interests ahead of the people who live here isn't a stronger Canada. It's corporate power dressed up as progress."
Signatories invited Noormohamed to meet with them in person.
