Commons refers major economy bill to committee after 296-26 vote

The House of Commons passed Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, at second reading Thursday by a vote of 296 to 26, referring the bill to a legislative committee that held its first meeting Friday, the Legislative Committee on Bill C-39 said in a news release Oct. 9.

The motion to refer the bill was moved by Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, and seconded by Wayne Long, Secretary of State for Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions, according to Parliament of Canada LEGISinfo records. Ten members were paired and did not vote.

Bill C-39 proposes amendments to a range of federal legislation. Part 1 deals with project evaluations and would amend the Impact Assessment Act, the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, the Species at Risk Act and the Fisheries Act, among others. Part 2 deals with supply chains and would amend the Canada Transportation Act and the Canada Marine Act. The bill also covers federally regulated industries and workplaces.

MacKinnon introduced the bill at first reading on Sept. 21.

The committee is accepting written briefs on the objectives and subject matter of Bill C-39 through its website until Friday, Oct. 26, at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Briefs proposing amendments should include draft alternative language where possible. Only one brief per organization or individual will be accepted, and the committee said it prefers submissions in both official languages.

Individuals or organizations wishing to submit a brief or learn more can contact committee clerk Madeleine Martin at 613-995-9966 or CC39@parl.gc.ca.