Mr. Chair and colleagues, thank you for inviting me and Steven to appear today.
Canada is facing a period of profound economic change. The choices we make now will have an impact on the strength of our economy, both in the short term and over the long term. That is why the government is proposing the measures before you today: legislative measures aimed at improving the way we build major projects, as well as projects of all sizes, across Canada.
Canada has significant advantages: We have abundant natural resources, a highly skilled workforce and trading relationships around the world. To capitalize on these advantages, we must ensure that our regulatory and decision-making processes are capable of supporting timely economic growth while, of course, maintaining the standards Canadians expect.
Projects that may involve, for example, critical minerals, traditional and renewable energy infrastructure or modern ports and trade corridors, will lay the foundation for a stronger Canada for generations to come. They will create good-paying jobs, strengthen our economic security and help Canadian businesses compete successfully in global markets.
Over the last number of months we've engaged with provinces and territories, indigenous partners, businesses, labour organizations and local communities. What emerged from those conversations is that Canadians want our country to remain competitive while preserving the values and the processes that define us as a country.
The government's objective is straightforward: to improve the efficiency, transparency and predictability of federal decision-making while maintaining, obviously, strong environmental protections and upholding the rights of indigenous people.
A more efficient process does not mean a less rigorous one: Clearer timelines do not predetermine outcomes, and responsible development and robust oversight can and should exist together.
Canada has accumulated decades of experience in environmental assessment, regulatory review and project oversight. We have learned valuable lessons about how processes can be improved without compromising their integrity. The measures before Parliament seek to build on that experience and ensure that our regulatory system is equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.
A fundamental element of this work is our partnership with indigenous peoples. Meaningful consultation and engagement are essential. Indigenous communities have unique perspectives, knowledge, rights and economic interests that will inform project decisions. Improving efficiency will strengthen, not diminish, opportunities for their participation. Better coordination and clearer processes will help ensure that engagement with indigenous peoples is more focused, constructive and effective.
In conclusion, we believe that Bill C-39 responds directly to these priorities.
Thank you for your time.
I can only imagine how excited our colleagues are to hear from Steven MacKinnon.