Royal Society of Canada Fellows Urge Parliament to Amend Bill C-39 Over Environmental Concerns
Fifty-six fellows of the Royal Society of Canada have published an open letter calling on Parliament to make six significant amendments to Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act. The scientists warn that provisions designed to fast-track major projects could cause irreversible environmental harm, while federal ministers defend the legislation as compatible with responsible development.
In October 2026, 56 fellows of the Royal Society of Canada sent an open letter on Thursday urging Parliament to make six significant amendments to Bill C-39, known as the Building Canada Strong Act. The 243-page bill, proposed by Prime Minister Mark Carney's government, is intended to speed up project decisions by establishing a one-year review deadline and creating regions of national interest for pre-approved projects.
The scientists argue that while they support economic growth and investment, the bill's fast-tracking provisions endanger environmental protections, wildlife, and human health. They specifically requested that Parliament keep the five-year sunset clause from the initial Building Canada Act (Bill C-5), which limits the government's power to exempt projects from environmental regulations. Other key requested amendments include fully defining regions of national interest and ensuring thorough reviews before construction begins.
Sarah Otto, a professor at the University of British Columbia, stated that the bill is "a build Canada strong while damaging the environment act" rather than one that protects the environment. John Smol, a biology professor at Queen's University, warned that some changes in the bill could affect ecosystems forever and that future generations would bear the costs.
Federal ministers defended the legislation. Dominic LeBlanc, Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, stated on Monday that clearer timelines do not predetermine outcomes and that robust oversight can coexist with responsible development. The government maintains that the bill creates conditions for investment and jobs without predetermining outcomes, and states that the legislation will protect the right to strike.
All opposition parties plan to suggest amendments to Bill C-39 to address environmental concerns and contentious proposals to change the Labour Code. Unions have warned that the bill will limit the right to strike, contradicting the government's position.