Canada fast-tracks mines, LNG, hydro, and power lines, boosting $56B in investments and transforming national infrastructure.
Canada Fast-Tracks Major Infrastructure Projects
The federal government announced Thursday a fresh wave of major infrastructure projects set to be fast-tracked under new legislation passed in June. These “transformational” projects span mining, energy, and power transmission, promising to reshape Canada’s economic landscape.
$56 Billion Investment on the Horizon
Speaking in Terrace, B.C., Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted that the latest projects could attract $56 billion in new investment. Among the initiatives, the Canada Infrastructure Bank is providing a $139.5 million loan to support engineering and planning work for key projects.
Mining Boom in Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick
Northern Ontario will see the Crawford nickel mine move forward, with Energy Minister announcements complementing Carney’s speech. Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed enthusiasm but urged faster progress on other projects, particularly the Ring of Fire mining developments north of Thunder Bay.
Quebec will welcome the Nouveau Monde Graphite Phase 2 project, while New Brunswick is set to host the Sisson tungsten mine. These projects are expected to create jobs, stimulate local economies, and strengthen Canada’s global mineral supply chains.
Clean Energy and LNG Projects
In Iqaluit, a hydroelectric project aims to reduce reliance on diesel power for the city. Meanwhile, northwest British Columbia will see a new transmission line and the Ksi Lisims liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. The LNG facility is projected to produce 12 million tonnes per year, primarily for Asian markets, where demand continues to climb.
A Streamlined Path for National Interest Projects
The projects are being referred to Canada’s Major Projects Office, which reviews them for potential designation as “national interest” projects. Such a status could allow exemptions from certain environmental laws like the Fisheries Act and Species at Risk Act, speeding up approvals.
Since its establishment earlier this year, the Major Projects Office has reviewed an initial batch of projects, including a Montreal port expansion, a small modular nuclear plant in Ontario, and LNG facility expansions in B.C. So far, no project has yet received the national interest designation.
Strengthening the Major Projects Office
The federal budget proposes $213.8 million over five years to support the office, with plans to make it a standalone entity similar to a Crown corporation. The office’s role is central to ensuring that Canada’s largest infrastructure projects move efficiently while balancing regulatory oversight.
Canada’s latest infrastructure push signals a bold strategy: mining, energy, and clean power projects are now positioned as engines of economic growth, job creation, and national transformation.
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