Prime Minister Mark Carney made public seven additional recommendations for speedy approval by the government’s Major Projects Office (MPO) on Thursday. These proposals, which include significant energy and natural resources ventures worth billions of dollars, aim to provide a much-needed boost to the economy, which has been impacted by tariffs.
Carney emphasized that these new initiatives will enhance Canada’s economic independence, particularly in light of U.S. trade tensions, positioning the country as a key player in the critical minerals sector. The total value of the seven new projects, combined with the five previously endorsed by Carney in September, amounts to $116 billion for the economy.
Describing each project as “transformational,” Carney highlighted their role in helping Canada unlock its full potential as an energy superpower. He stressed the importance of creating new economic and trade pathways to reduce reliance on the U.S., given the evolving global landscape.
The creation of the MPO earlier this year by Carney’s administration is seen as instrumental in advancing these projects. Dawn Farrell, the president and CEO of the federal body, stated that the MPO team’s role includes expediting environmental assessments and approvals, facilitating Indigenous consultations, attracting investment, coordinating labor resources, and managing project-specific tasks.
Among the projects now under MPO consideration are the Sisson Mine in New Brunswick, the Crawford Nickel project in Ontario, the Ksi Lisims liquefied natural gas project in British Columbia, the Iqaluit hydro project, the Nouveau Monde Graphite Phase 2 project in Quebec, the Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor in northwest B.C. and Yukon, and the North Coast Transmission Line in northwest B.C.
One of these projects, the North Coast Transmission Line, aims to deliver affordable and clean electricity, improve telecommunications infrastructure along the West Coast, and potentially connect B.C. with Yukon in the national grid. The Canadian Infrastructure Bank will provide financial support to B.C. Hydro for the project.
Furthermore, the Ksi Lisims LNG project on Pearse Island in B.C., co-developed by the Nisga’a Nation, is anticipated to contribute significantly to LNG production for export to Asia. This venture aligns with the government’s strategy to promote LNG development, supported by the B.C. NDP, to meet global demand for the fuel.
Despite enthusiasm from project proponents, some environmental groups have criticized the LNG project, citing concerns about its impact on Indigenous communities and the environment. The MPO’s role in expediting approvals for these projects is seen as a positive step by stakeholders, although challenges such as environmental regulations persist.
Additionally, the Crawford Nickel Project in Timmins, Ont., and other ventures are part of the government’s vision to accelerate resource development in Canada. The MPO’s streamlined processes aim to address delays in project approvals and enhance economic growth across various regions.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the MPO, labeling it as another bureaucratic layer that could hinder rather than expedite development processes. Despite differing opinions, the government’s push to fast-track major projects reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Canada’s economic resilience and competitiveness in the global market.