Canada-Wide Protests Target Bill C-39 Over Indigenous, Environmental and Labour Concerns

More than 65 actions were held across Canada on Thursday, November 12 to oppose Bill C-39, also known as the Build Canada Strong Act. Protests brought together environmental justice advocates, Indigenous activists and labour organizers. In Ottawa, demonstrators gathered outside the Prime Minister’s Office before marching to the Famous 5 Monument.

Activists rallied outside Surrey-Newton MP Sukh Dhaliwal’s office on November 12 to demand he reject the bill as the final-reading vote nears. The Surrey protest was part of a National Day of Action coordinated by the climate justice movement 350Canada and local groups. Nolen Scott, BC Greens candidate for Surrey-Panorama in the 2026 election, organized the only Surrey-based rally.

“It’s important that all these movements collectively unite because our struggle is the same.”

Protesters call Bill C-39 an omnibus bill that would expand governmental power to attack the right to strike and weaken environmental protections. They say it would increase value for oil and gas stakeholders while sidelining the Crown’s duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous peoples. Scott warned the government could use a vague understanding of “national interest” to bring in binding arbitration and end strikes.

The federal government says the bill will help create a stronger, more independent and more sustainable economy by speeding up impact assessments for major projects. According to the Government of Canada, it would streamline federal approval of major economic projects from more than five years down to one year. The legislation would also shorten federal review timelines and expand cabinet’s discretion to designate regions of national interest.

Alex Silas, national executive vice-president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, said all movements must unite because their struggle is the same. He emphasized that defending working-class interests includes climate action, Indigenous rights, reconciliation and justice. Silas described the widespread opposition as evidence that the bill cannot serve Canada’s interests.

The protests occurred as the final-reading vote on Bill C-39 approaches. Demonstrators across the country are concerned the legislation would infringe on Indigenous rights, environment law and labour rights in the name of national interest. Organizers say they will continue to pressure MPs to reject the act.