The Canadian Association of Energy Contractors (CAOEC) and the Explorers and Producers Association of Canada (EPAC) welcome the federal government’s introduction of Bill C-5 — An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act, tabled in the House of Commons on June 6, 2025.
As industry leaders convene in Calgary for the Global Energy Show to discuss the future of Canadian energy, Bill C-5 provides a framework to advance major oil and gas infrastructure projects by reducing interprovincial trade barriers and streamlining regulatory processes. Our members — representing Canada’s energy entrepreneurs and thousands of workers and businesses in energy services, exploration, and production — see this as an opportunity to harness Canada’s full energy potential and strengthen its position as a global energy leader in conventional oil, natural gas, and oilsands resource development.
We urge the federal government to complement Bill C-5 with swift action to designate critical oil and gas infrastructure projects as being in the national interest, so they can proceed without delay and begin creating jobs. While Bill C-5 is a vital first step, broader reforms to Canada’s regulatory and policy environment are essential to restoring investor confidence and unlocking the full potential of our conventional oil and gas sector.
In today’s volatile geopolitical climate, Canada’s abundant energy resources are crucial to both economic growth and global energy security. The Building Canada Act within Bill C-5 is a step in the right direction — enabling faster timelines for nation-building projects, such as pipelines, LNG export facilities, ports, and upstream developments by improving regulatory processes and granting approvals for authorizations.
CAOEC and EPAC strongly support the government’s stated commitment to consult with Indigenous peoples, respecting their rights under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. The proposed expansion of the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, referenced in related policy discussions, provides meaningful opportunities for greater equity ownership and long-term economic growth for Indigenous workers and their communities. We also support the establishment of a Major Projects Office to coordinate regulatory efforts, aligning with our call for efficient processes that get shovels in the ground and deliver results in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across Western Canada.
Our members have the resources, the expertise, and the workforce to help Canada lead as a global energy superpower. We stand ready to work with the federal government to turn the promise of Bill C-5 into action — creating jobs, strengthening communities, and promoting prosperity for all Canadians.
For more information, contact:
An Tran – Strategic Communications Lead
Canadian Association of Energy Contractors
Email: atran@caoec.ca
Jen Paterson – Senior Director, Engagement and Communications
Explorers and Producers Association of Canada
Email: j.paterson@explorersandproducers.ca