Writing for the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives on May 22, 2026, Group of 78 Board member Bruce Campbell argues that the federal government’s intensifying deregulation agenda puts Canadians at risk. Last year, Bill C-5, he notes, “gave the cabinet the ability to prioritize and fast-track major projects including scrapping regulations it views as red tape.” Moreover “The Budget Implementation Act (Bill C-15) gave cabinet ministers the power to effectively exempt any individual or company from virtually any federal law or regulation under their responsibility except for the criminal code.” Issued earlier this month, two government discussion papers aim to further accelerate the deregulation process. But the purpose of regulation is to protect the well-being of Canadians, sustain the environment, and hold the government accountable for its decisions. When regulations are scrapped in favour of corporate profits and shareholder value, Campbell writes, devastating consequences, like the Lac-Mégantic rail disaster, can result. Click HERE to read his full commentary.
