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Inspired by Ottawa, Quebec tabling bill to help cut red tape around major projects

  • Thomas Laberge

  • Canadian Press

  • December 9, 2025

Quebec Premier Francois Legault responds to the Opposition during question period at the legislature in Quebec City, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

QUEBEC -- Inspired by the federal government, Quebec is tabling its own provincial bill to expedite large scale projects in the province.

Premier Francois Legault says the legislation will target quicker permits for priority projects of national importance.

This could include nearly $200 billion worth of projects proposed by Hydro-Quebec.

Legault also says the legislation is tied to the economic uncertainty created by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Quebec bill comes after the federal Parliament adopted Bill C-5, which aims to accelerate projects of national interest to all Canadians.

On Monday, Environment Minister Bernard Drainville announced plans to reduce the processing times for environmental permits for business projects.

Drainville said that environmental assessments will be completed 50 per cent faster to speed up major projects such as mines and energy sector development.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 9, 2025.