The Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced that the federal government will reveal a new set of major projects for expedited approvals later this week in response to the ongoing U.S. tariff dispute. The unveiling is scheduled to take place in Prince Rupert, B.C., on Thursday. One of the approved projects, the Indigenous-proposed Ksi Lisims liquefied natural gas (LNG) project near Prince Rupert, has already obtained all necessary permits for construction after Ottawa’s approval in September.
In a move to boost economic activity, the government previously greenlit five projects for streamlined approvals in September, including another significant LNG expansion in B.C., a small modular reactor project in Ontario, enhanced port facilities in Montreal, and new copper mines in Western Canada. Carney emphasized that more projects will be added continuously to the Major Projects Office’s mandate to accelerate economic growth by simplifying regulatory processes and exempting selected projects from certain requirements.
Carney’s recent budget allocation of approximately $214 million over the next five years, with additional funds for Indigenous consultation, aims to support the approvals process of the new office. The government’s growth strategy focuses on expedited development of energy and resources projects to diversify markets beyond the increasingly protectionist U.S. trade policies. Carney highlighted the urgency of Canada’s response to the current U.S. trade environment, emphasizing the need for swift action to stabilize the economy and secure the country’s future.
Apart from the already approved projects, potential candidates for fast-tracked approval include the Toronto-Quebec City high-speed rail project, expanded port facilities in Churchill, Manitoba, critical minerals development nationwide, and a carbon capture and storage initiative in Alberta to reduce emissions in the oil sands. Regarding Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s call for approval of a new oil pipeline to the Pacific Coast, Carney hinted at progress without disclosing specific details during a recent address to the Canadian Club in Toronto.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has criticized Carney’s budget and expressed doubt about the efficiency of the government’s approach to project development. Poilievre questioned the effectiveness of creating a new government department to address resource project impediments, suggesting skepticism about the timely completion of projects like oil pipelines under Carney’s leadership.