Friday, January 16, 2026
ADVT 
National

Poilievre wants 'shovel ready zones' with pre-approved construction permits

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 20 Mar, 2025 10:40 AM
  • Poilievre wants 'shovel ready zones' with pre-approved construction permits

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre wants to create what he calls "shovel ready zones" that would have pre-approved permits for major projects resources or energy projects.

In a media statement, Poilievre says that the goal is to permits in place for a mine, liquefied natural gas plant, pipeline or other major project. 

The Conservative plans says they would make sure the pre-permitted area is "safe for Canada and the environment."

Companies would then be able to buy pre-approved land for a project and receive a permit and then complete a "checklist" on how they intend to protect "nature and people."

This is the second day in a row Poilievre has made a pre-campaign pitch focused on speeding up approvals for major projects. 

In Sudbury on Wednesday, he set a deadline to green-light federal Ring of Fire permits within six months — a move that received pushback from some First Nations over concern about ignoring the legal duty to consultation.

MORE National ARTICLES

Alberta cabinet ministers to attend U.S. prayer breakfast in Washington

Alberta cabinet ministers to attend U.S. prayer breakfast in Washington
The Alberta government is sending a delegation to the U.S. National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. Affordability and Utilities Minister Nathan Neudorf, Health Minister Adriana LaGrange and Mental Health and Addiction Minister Dan Williams, along with three staff , are scheduled to attend the event next Thursday.

Alberta cabinet ministers to attend U.S. prayer breakfast in Washington

B.C. extends deferral of logging in Fairy Creek amid reports of tree spiking

B.C. extends deferral of logging in Fairy Creek amid reports of tree spiking
The British Columbia government has approved a legal order to extend temporary protections to an old-growth forest on Vancouver Island even as the minister of forests acknowledged that the RCMP are investigating reports of tree spiking in the area. Ravi Parmar said he was informed of the reports last week, calling the news of such vandalism "incredibly alarming."

B.C. extends deferral of logging in Fairy Creek amid reports of tree spiking

B.C. Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin wraps up seven-year post

B.C. Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin wraps up seven-year post
British Columbia's lieutenant-governor is leaving office after seven years on the job, with Premier David Eby telling her farewell ceremony that her focus on reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples was among her key contributions. Janet Austin's work during her tenure advanced reconciliation in the province, Eby told the ceremony at the legislature in Victoria on Wednesday.

B.C. Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin wraps up seven-year post

Environment Canada warns of wintry conditions along B.C. south coast

Environment Canada warns of wintry conditions along B.C. south coast
Environment Canada says wintry conditions are expected along British Columbia's south coast this week. It says a low pressure system is making its way toward the coast, bringing steady precipitation starting Thursday afternoon. 

Environment Canada warns of wintry conditions along B.C. south coast

Trump's pick for commerce says president's tariff threat could be just the beginning

Trump's pick for commerce says president's tariff threat could be just the beginning
During Wednesday's Senate hearing on his nomination to lead the U.S. Department of Commerce, billionaire financier Howard Lutnick said the plan to impose duties on Canada and Mexico is distinct from Trump's long-term tariff plans.

Trump's pick for commerce says president's tariff threat could be just the beginning

CBC head calls for a 'national conversation' on Conservatives' pledge to defund

CBC head calls for a 'national conversation' on Conservatives' pledge to defund
With Donald Trump making "territorial claims," the new head of CBC says defunding the public broadcaster could erode a pillar of Canada's cultural identity. Marie-Philippe Bouchard, CEO of CBC-Radio-Canada, is calling for a "national conversation" on the Conservative promise to defund, and is launching a tour to get it started.

CBC head calls for a 'national conversation' on Conservatives' pledge to defund