Feds pitch ‘economic zones’ to fast-track major projects
>Two former Liberal environment ministers have harshly criticized Carney's proposal. Liberal MP Steven Guilbeault, who was the federal environment minister from 2021 to 2025, told the Toronto Star Carney's plan is "[worse](https://www.thestar.com/politics/political-opinion/mark-carney-runs-roughshod-over-the-environment-its-worse-than-what-harper-did/article_1fa59928-a8d5-481a-896b-405c86a466d1.html)" than the changes under former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper, which resulted in some high-profile legal challenges. Former Liberal MP Catherine McKenna, who held the same post from 2015 to 2019, told the Canadian Press Carney's proposal will lead to a "[lack of trust](https://www.timescolonist.com/national-business/former-minister-says-energy-project-review-changes-could-cause-further-delays-12271547)" and lawsuits, ultimately making the project approval process slower, not faster.
>Ecojustice, an environmental law charity, has [described](https://info.ecojustice.ca/this-could-be-the-biggest-environmental-rollback-in-generations-) the changes as potentially ushering in "the biggest rollback of environmental protections in a generation." The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, which represents 63 First Nations in that province, said it raises "[serious concerns](https://manitobachiefs.com/press_releases/assembly-of-manitoba-chiefs-responds-to-canadas-proposed-fast-tracking-of-major-projects/) that Canada is moving toward a system where speed takes precedence over Treaty obligations, environmental stewardship and First Nations consent."
>Ecojustice, an environmental law charity, has [described](https://info.ecojustice.ca/this-could-be-the-biggest-environmental-rollback-in-generations-) the changes as potentially ushering in "the biggest rollback of environmental protections in a generation." The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, which represents 63 First Nations in that province, said it raises "[serious concerns](https://manitobachiefs.com/press_releases/assembly-of-manitoba-chiefs-responds-to-canadas-proposed-fast-tracking-of-major-projects/) that Canada is moving toward a system where speed takes precedence over Treaty obligations, environmental stewardship and First Nations consent."