Bill C-5: What It Means for Nuclear Projects in Canada 

Bill C-5, the federal government’s legislation to enact the Building Canada Act and the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act, has become law after moving swiftly through Parliament. The Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) was actively engaged in ensuring that nuclear projects were prioritized as part of this national infrastructure push. 

What Is Bill C-5? 

Bill C-5 seeks to remove interprovincial trade barriers and streamline the approval process for major projects that meet national interest criteria. These criteria include: 

• Advancing Indigenous reconciliation and partnerships 
• Supporting clean economic growth and climate goals 
• Strengthening Canada’s national security, autonomy, and economic resilience 
• Delivering tangible economic benefits 
• Having a high likelihood of being successfully delivered 

The legislation would give the federal government new authority to designate projects of national interest and exempt them from certain regulatory requirements to accelerate approvals. 

Why It Matters for Nuclear

Nuclear projects are explicitly referenced in Bill C-5 under multiple legislative frameworks, including the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA), the Canada Energy Regulator Act (CERA), and the Impact Assessment Act (IAA). 

Under the NSCA, the responsible minister must consult the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to confirm that a proposed nuclear project would not compromise health, safety, national security, or Canada’s international obligations.

If a nuclear project is designated as both a “national interest project” and a “designated project” under the IAA, it may bypass the preliminary screening stage and move directly to a full impact assessment. This has the potential to significantly reduce project timelines while maintaining rigorous regulatory oversight. 

CNA’s Advocacy 

The CNA has consistently engaged with federal leaders, including the Prime Minister’s Office, key ministers, opposition critics, and parliamentary secretaries to underscore the essential role nuclear energy plays in Canada’s energy transition, economic security, and climate commitments.

We continue to advocate for: 

• The explicit inclusion of nuclear projects on the national interest project list 
• Streamlined regulatory pathways that maintain safety without unnecessary delays 
• Exemptions from preliminary IAA screenings to avoid duplication and accelerate project delivery 
• A recognition of nuclear energy’s unique role in delivering clean, reliable, and secure power 

Indigenous Engagement and Regulatory Clarity 

Bill C-5 outlines the importance of Indigenous consultation for national interest projects. While the legislation affirms that a process must be established that allows for the active and meaningful participation of affected Indigenous peoples, many procedural details, such as scope, timing, and process, are yet to be defined. Recognizing the critical importance of meaningful engagement with Indigenous Nations and communities, the CNA continues to advocate for clarity on requirements from the federal government. 

Looking Ahead 

As the bill has now become law, the CNA encourages its members and stakeholders to stay informed and engage with policymakers. Bill C-5 has the potential to accelerate the deployment of next-generation nuclear technologies that are critical to achieving Canada’s net-zero goals and ensuring energy security for decades to come. 

More broadly, the CNA continues to engage with the government to reduce regulatory burdens and advocate for policies that support the industry’s growth, ensuring that nuclear energy is recognized as a cornerstone of Canada’s national interest.