Alberta’s Environment Minister, Rebecca Schulz and Ontario’s Environment Minister, Todd McCarthy, are mysteriously urging the repeal of some of the most significant environmental laws in Canadian history. They’re getting ready to advocate for the introduction of Bill C-61. The Act is designed to ensure that First Nations can enjoy the same access to clean drinking water that other Canadians take for granted. It trails just behind Bill C-5, which came into effect on July 4, 2025. Bill C-5 now gives the federal government the power to fast-track these economically beneficial projects while skipping most environmental protections already in place.
Federal Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin and Prime Minister Mark Carney come under pressure from provincial Premiers. With that, they’ve taken environmental policy and Indigenous rights to a whole new level. The Alberta and Ontario push represents another step in the increasing economic development vs. environmental sustainability feud taking over Canada.
The Context of Bill C-5
Bill C-5, which recently became law, is intended to streamline projects that are likely to have the biggest positive impact on the national economy. The legislation would give Ottawa the ability to trump numerous well-established environmental protections and regulations. Blueprint detractors worry such a move would strip states of the ability to prioritize environmental protections and public health.
In reaction to the introduction of Bill C-5, Schulz and McCarthy have both spoken out against the bill’s implications. They want the federal government to repeal individual statutes. This incorporates the Species at Risk Act and the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act to develop a more business-oriented environment.
“We are hopeful that this new federal government will move away from policies and legislation that undermine competitiveness, delay project development and disproportionately harm specific provinces and territories without any quantifiable benefits to the natural environment.” – Rebecca Schulz and Todd McCarthy
The Legislative Landscape
In early June 2025, Alberta and Ontario introduced legislation seeking to repeal parts of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. Their stated aim—with the slight euphemism of “environmental stewardship”—is to clear a regulatory path that favors economic development over robust environmental protections. The provinces claim that these sorts of measures are needed to compete for investment and get the local economies humming.
This sellout occurs at a time when more Canadians than ever are conscious of climate change and environmental destruction all around us. As public sentiment shifts towards a greater emphasis on sustainability, the actions of Alberta and Ontario may spark further debate within Parliament.
Bill C-61 has been introduced to address all of these issues and more profoundly. It will mean that First Nations will have the right to clean drinking water. This legislation would help protect available freshwater on Indigenous lands. We’re glad to see that it emphasizes a critical aspect of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
“Provinces, territories, and the federal government have a shared responsibility of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples … We call on all parliamentarians, provinces, and territories to support this critical legislation to ensure that First Nations have access to clean drinking water.” – Livi McElrea
Future Implications
Bill C-61 is expected to be introduced this fall. This should serve as a reminder to the rest of Parliament that it is critical to consider the broader implications of all legislative actions. The friction between economic development and Indigenous rights continues to be a flashpoint in Canadian politics.
We hope that Bill C-61 will meaningfully improve the lives of First Nations communities. It will serve as a lesson for future negotiations on green infrastructure investments and climate action across Canada’s other provinces and territories.
“Every member of Parliament in Canada that’s going to sit in that House has an obligation to think about all the children of this country, and shame on people that played games, pushing it down politically, kicking it to each other and blaming each other, even through the election.” – Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak
The outcome of Bill C-61 will not only impact First Nations communities but may also influence future negotiations surrounding environmental policies and economic strategies across Canada.
