Liberal government passes key domestic trade bill

 

 

The Liberal government has passed a key domestic trade bill before the House adjourns for the summer. MPs voted in favour of Bill C-5, known as the One Canadian Economy Act. The bill's passage is seen as a major policy victory for Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The House voted separately on Bill C-5, which focuses on addressing domestic trade barriers, and the second part, which gives the government new powers to approve major projects. The domestic trade barriers part passed almost unanimously. Green Party leader Elizabeth May was the only one to vote against it. The Liberal government was helped by the Conservatives' support to pass the more controversial major projects part. All other opposition parties voted against it, while the Conservatives voted in favour. After the second vote, Carney shook hands with opposition leader Andrew Scheer and Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantzman. Prime Minister Mark Carney said that the consent and unity of the people, including the people, are essential to move forward with the approved plans. He also said that nations are built positively, not negatively.