Royal Society Fellows Propose Amendments to Bill C-39
Fifty-six fellows argue the Building Canada Strong Act poses risks to environmental and wildlife protections.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Environmental
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Fifty-six fellows of the Royal Society of Canada have signed an open letter requesting six amendments to Bill C-39, also known as the Building Canada Strong Act. The scholars contend that the proposed legislation, which seeks to expedite infrastructure projects, may jeopardize wildlife, nature, and human health.
Why it matters
The government intends to accelerate infrastructure decisions to provide greater certainty for investors, but critics fear the bill removes essential safeguards. By eliminating a five-year sunset clause, the act would grant permanent federal powers to exempt projects from existing environmental regulations.
The 243-page Bill C-39 establishes a one-year review deadline for infrastructure projects and amends over a dozen federal laws. It currently targets the removal of a five-year sunset clause on federal exemptions for projects in regions of national interest.
The players
Royal Society of Canada
The Royal Society of Canada is a senior national body of distinguished scholars, artists, and scientists who provide advice to the federal government.
House of Commons
The House of Commons is the primary legislative chamber of the Canadian Parliament where elected representatives debate and vote on proposed bills.
Senate
The Senate is the upper chamber of the Canadian Parliament that reviews and amends legislation passed by the House of Commons.
The details
The bill allows for the pre-approval of projects in regions of national interest and is being reviewed through special committees in the House of Commons and Senate. The governing party is using its majority status to fast-track the legislation through Parliament without the standard debate time.
Timeline
Thursday, October 15, 2026: Royal Society of Canada fellows sent the open letter.
Monday, October 19, 2026: Federal ministers defended Bill C-39 at a committee meeting.
The Big Picture
The debate over Bill C-39 signifies a shift in how federal authorities balance industrial speed against established ecological safeguards. This legislation follows the Building Canada Strong Act and marks a potential departure from the five-year sunset clauses previously used to limit federal environmental exemptions.
The changes proposed in Bill C-39 could directly impact the standard of water quality and the survival of species at risk in regions across the country. Residents may see faster infrastructure development in their local areas, though these projects might operate under reduced environmental oversight.
The takeaway
The opposition from academic experts highlights the complex trade-offs between rapid infrastructure growth and the preservation of long-term natural assets. Citizens concerned about environmental standards should monitor committee updates as the bill moves through the legislative process.
Further reading
For more context on how national policies affect local ecosystems, visit the Canada Environmental section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBC News.
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