National day of action prompts rally in Thunder Bay, Ont., against Bill C-39

Labour unions, Indigenous rights groups and environmental organizations have gathered in Thunder Bay to call for the federal government to scrap Bill C-39. The proposed legislation is known as the Building Canada Act. It aims to fast-track development and prevent labour disruption. Today's rally is part of a national day of action across the country. They don't call the Bulldoze Nature Act for nothing. It makes changes to impact assessments. The Fisheries Act, the Species at Risk Act, yes, and it also really impacts the rights of Indigenous people. I think the fact that it reduces the ability for consultation broadly with stakeholders, the fact that it speeds through environmental assessments, which are vitally important. Thunder Bay's rally drew large crowds to Patty Hajdu's office. Hajdu is Minister of Jobs and Families and MP for Thunder Bay Superior North. Her office provided an emailed statement to CBC News in response. When it comes to labour rights, a spokesperson says, quote, Bill C-39 would not give the minister any new intervention powers under Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code. Instead, it would create new requirements for the minister to satisfy before any intervention is possible. The federal government will always protect the rights of Canadian workers, including the right to strike. We are the... The bill is currently under review by a legislative committee. Sarah Law, CBC News, Thunder Bay.