Overview of the Promise

During his campaign for prime minister, Mark Carney pledged to establish Buy Canadian standards for federal infrastructure funding, with a focus on maximizing the use of Canadian steel, aluminum, and forestry products. This promise aimed to bolster domestic industries amid trade tensions, particularly with the United States, by prioritizing Canadian materials in government-funded projects.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

Since taking office, Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced several measures to support Canadian steel, aluminum, and forestry sectors. In June 2025, the government introduced policies to protect these industries from unfair trade practices, including quotas on foreign imports and potential tariffs. A key announcement included a Buy Canadian policy specifically for steel and aluminum in federal procurement, which aligns with the promise's emphasis on maximizing these materials in infrastructure projects.

For forestry products, the government unveiled a $1.2 billion investment in August 2025 to support innovation and competitiveness in the softwood lumber industry. This includes loan guarantees and funding aimed at transforming the sector, which could integrate Canadian forestry products into infrastructure initiatives.

Additionally, the Carney administration passed the Building Canada Act, which established a Major Projects Office to fast-track approvals for nation-building infrastructure such as ports and railways. This legislation emphasizes the use of domestic materials, providing a framework for implementing Buy Canadian standards in federal funding.

Legislation Proposed or Passed

The Building Canada Act, passed in 2025, is central to this promise. It creates mechanisms to accelerate infrastructure projects while incorporating preferences for Canadian products. No additional standalone legislation solely dedicated to Buy Canadian standards has been passed, but the Act serves as a foundational step. Proposed measures in response to U.S. tariffs have included retaliatory actions and import curbs, which indirectly support the maximization of Canadian steel, aluminum, and forestry products by reducing foreign competition.

Progress on Specific Points

On maximizing Canadian steel: The government has implemented quotas and tariffs on non-U.S. steel imports, and announced funds for domestic steel projects, promoting their use in federal infrastructure.

On maximizing Canadian aluminum: Similar protective measures, including potential counter-tariffs, have been enacted to stabilize the sector and prioritize it in procurement.

On maximizing Canadian forestry products: Investments in the softwood lumber industry and support packages address trade war impacts, aiming to integrate these products into housing and infrastructure solutions.

While announcements and initial implementations have occurred, full integration into all federal infrastructure funding streams is ongoing, with some projects under the Major Projects Office beginning to apply these standards.

Current Status and Risks

As of September 1, 2025, the promise is advancing through policy announcements and legislative frameworks, but complete establishment across all federal funding requires further regulatory details and enforcement. To become kept, the government must finalize and apply comprehensive Buy Canadian guidelines to all relevant infrastructure programs, ensuring measurable increases in the use of domestic materials. It could be at risk of being broken if trade negotiations with the U.S. fail to resolve tariffs, leading to insufficient domestic production capacity or if implementation delays persist beyond the current term.

Overall Status

This promise is in progress.