Conservative MP Michael Barrett in a file photo. Justin Tang/The Canadian Press
The Conservatives are raising concerns about the Liberal government’s budget bill granting ministers sweeping powers that would enable them to exempt any individual or company from federal laws, except the Criminal Code.
The federal government’s budget bill, Bill C-15, says a minister could use these powers “only if the minister is of the opinion” that the exemption is in the public interest, would enable the testing of a product, service, procedure, or regulatory measure, and its benefits would outweigh the risks.
