Indigenous, Labour, and Environmental Groups Rally in Toronto Against Bill C-39
A mass rally in Toronto on October 28, 2026, brought together Indigenous, labour, and environmental organizations to oppose Bill C-39, the 'Building Canada Strong Act,' as part of a National Week of Action. Critics argue the legislation threatens Indigenous sovereignty, weakens environmental protections, and restricts strike rights for roughly one million federally regulated workers.
Indigenous, labour, and environmental groups gathered in Toronto on October 28, 2026, for a mass rally opposing Bill C-39, formally known as the "Building Canada Strong Act." The demonstration was part of a broader National Week of Action for Indigenous Sovereignty, which also featured events in Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Aamjiwnaang First Nation.
Speakers at the Toronto rally included representatives from the Ontario Federation of Labour, the Toronto and York Region Labour Council, the Steelworkers Toronto Area Council, Idle No More Ontario, and Greenpeace Canada. Organizers expressed concern that the proposed legislation poses significant threats to Indigenous sovereignty, environmental safeguards, and workers' rights.
Bill C-39 proposes expanding federal authority to designate projects as "Regions of National Interest." Under the bill, these designations would accelerate project approvals and exempt them from environmental assessments and Indigenous consultation. The legislation also introduces a one-year framework for federal project reviews. Critics state that this allows cabinet to create "sacrifice zones" where projects can be approved without environmental safeguards, potentially causing lasting harm to watersheds, wildlife, harvesting grounds, and sacred places due to accelerated decisions.
Environmental advocates warn that the bill weakens existing protections, including the Species at Risk Act and fish habitat laws. They also argue it contributes to the erosion of Indigenous Free, Prior, and Informed Consent rights.
On the labour front, Bill C-39 limits the right to strike for approximately one million workers in federally regulated sectors. The legislation would allow the minister to direct the Canada Industrial Relations Board to resume operations or impose binding settlements if a work stoppage is deemed to affect the national interest. Opponents say this restricts collective bargaining rights and strike actions for those workers.