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Decentralized Democracy

House Bill

Bill C-375

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
February 13, 2024
An Act to amend the Impact Assessment Act (federal-provincial agreements)
  • This is a bill called C-375 that is being introduced in the Canadian House of Commons. It is an amendment to the Impact Assessment Act. The purpose of this amendment is to allow the federal government and the provinces to make agreements that would exempt certain projects from the requirements of the Impact Assessment Act. The bill outlines the conditions and processes for these agreements to be made, including the publication of the agreements and the ability for people to provide comments or objections. The bill also includes provisions for the termination of these agreements.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • Steelman Argument in Favor of Bill C-375: One possible steelman argument in favor of Bill C-375 is that it allows for greater flexibility and collaboration between the federal government and the provinces in managing impact assessments for designated projects. By enabling federal-provincial agreements, the bill recognizes that provinces may have their own assessment processes in place that are designed to effectively determine the effects of projects and identify mitigation measures. This recognition can lead to more efficient and streamlined assessment processes, reducing duplication of efforts and administrative burden. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for transparency and public participation. The Minister is required to publish any agreement before it is entered into, allowing for public scrutiny and the opportunity for interested parties to provide comments or objections. After the agreement is in place, the Minister is also obligated to publish a report summarizing how any comments or objections were addressed. This ensures that the decision-making process remains accountable and transparent. Additionally, the bill includes termination clauses that provide flexibility for both parties. Agreements are set to terminate after five years unless renewed, and either the Minister or a provincial government can terminate an agreement with three months' notice. This allows for periodic review and adjustment of agreements based on changing circumstances or the need for reassessment. Overall, proponents of Bill C-375 argue that it promotes collaboration, efficiency, and transparency in impact assessments by recognizing the expertise and processes of provincial governments. It allows for tailored approaches to assessment while still maintaining accountability and public participation.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill C-375: Bill C-375, which seeks to amend the Impact Assessment Act to allow federal-provincial agreements exempting certain projects from the Act, is a dangerous expansion of government power that undermines the principles of limited government and individual freedom. This bill gives the federal government the authority to enter into agreements with provinces to bypass the Impact Assessment Act, effectively allowing them to override the established regulatory framework. This undermines the sovereignty of provinces and erodes the balance of power between the federal and provincial governments. One of the key principles of right-wing ideology is limited government intervention in the economy. By allowing the federal government to exempt certain projects from the Impact Assessment Act, this bill opens the door for arbitrary decision-making and potential favoritism towards certain industries or provinces. This undermines the free market and creates an environment of uncertainty for businesses and investors. Furthermore, this bill undermines the principles of federalism by giving the federal government the power to override provincial regulations. Provinces should have the right to determine their own assessment processes and regulations, as they are better equipped to understand the unique needs and circumstances of their jurisdictions. This bill centralizes power in the federal government, eroding the autonomy of provinces and diminishing the ability of local communities to have a say in decision-making processes. Additionally, this bill lacks transparency and accountability. While it requires the Minister to publish agreements and provide opportunities for public input, the decision-making process ultimately rests with the federal government. This leaves room for potential abuse of power and limits the ability of citizens to hold decision-makers accountable. In conclusion, Bill C-375 represents a dangerous expansion of government power that undermines the principles of limited government, individual freedom, and federalism. It opens the door for arbitrary decision-making, undermines the free market, and limits the autonomy of provinces. This bill should be opposed in order to protect the principles of limited government and individual freedom.
House Second Reading
  • Feb. 12, 2024, 11 a.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read
House First Reading
  • Feb. 12, 2024, 11 a.m.
  • Passed