Canada’s Parliament Returns with Controversial 'Building Canada Strong Act' Amid Trade War
The Canadian House of Commons reconvened on September 21, 2026, as the Liberal government introduced Bill C-39. The legislation aims to accelerate project reviews and modify labour laws, drawing sharp criticism from unions and opposition parties while the government cites economic necessity due to escalating trade tensions with the United States.
Members of Parliament returned from summer break on Monday, September 21, 2026, to begin the fall sitting in Ottawa. Central to this session is the introduction of the "Building Canada Strong Act" (Bill C-39), a 243-page piece of legislation that Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon has described as the most significant economic legislation in decades.
Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that the government is responding to a crisis caused by the trade war with the United States, which escalated after negotiations collapsed in August 2026. Following the imposition of counter-tariffs by Canada, US President Donald Trump threatened additional tariffs on steel and autos if no agreement is reached by the end of the year. In an effort to deepen ties outside the US, Carney recently attended the European Parliament in Strasbourg and hosted an investment summit in Toronto.
Bill C-39 includes changes to how large projects are reviewed, aiming to complete assessments within one year. It also contains clarifications to the Labour Code regarding the power to end strikes in federally regulated industries. Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu defended the bill, stating it strengthens workers' rights by raising the bar for accountability and making federal intervention in labour disputes a "tool of last resort."
However, the legislation has drawn sharp criticism. Unions, including the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and Unifor, have attacked the bill for undermining the right to strike. CUPE president Mark Hancock called the government's stance a "rude awakening." Opposition leaders have also voiced strong objections; NDP Leader Avi Lewis condemned the bill as selling out Canada to foreign investors and corporations, while Bloc Québécois leader Christine Normandin argued it tears down environmental laws.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre focused his opening questions on the cost of living and affordability, challenging Carney on high prices for housing, gas, and groceries. The Liberals hold a majority of 173 seats in the House of Commons, having gained seats through floor-crossers and byelections, leaving the NDP with only five MPs.