Mark Carney is celebrated abroad – while consolidating power at home | Shiri Pasternak

Mark Carney, Canada's governor, has been admired internationally for his insightful speech at the Davos conference, addressing the reconfiguration of power amid Donald Trump's rise. However, domestically, Carney is consolidating power within his own office and cabinet, significantly altering laws that safeguard environmental, Indigenous, and labour rights to further his economic objectives.

This transformation is part of a broader shift in Canada's approach to land and resource management, exemplified by the passage of the Building Canada Strong Act. The act, introduced by Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon, has expanded the scope of "projects of national interest" to encompass regions deemed vital for the nation's economic growth, potentially bypassing traditional environmental, Indigenous, and labour protections.

This legislation has also removed cabinet approval for most pipeline projects, with federal oversight strictly reserved for those exceeding 300km, thus weakening democratic oversight. Furthermore, Carney seeks to bolster Canada's economy by making it more attractive to foreign investors. Following the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto, he introduced measures that significantly reduce the effective tax rate for businesses, offering substantial federal subsidies in return.

While Carney's actions have garnered international admiration, they have also sparked domestic concern among Canadians, who fear the erosion of their rights and the long-term sustainability of the nation under this new economic framework.