Carney Supercharges B.C.’s Northern Grid Plan With ‘Nation-Building’ Push
Prime Minister Mark Carney is positioning B.C.’s North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL) as a critical piece of Canada’s long-term clean-energy and economic strategy, describing it as a nation-building project that will reshape the country’s northern power corridor.
The $6-billion transmission line was recently elevated to the federal Major Projects Office, a move that places it on a fast-track pathway intended to speed up permitting, coordination, and early-stage development.
Carney said the NCTL is central to helping Canada unlock its LNG capacity, mining potential, and critical mineral reserves while preparing the grid for the transition ahead.
“Clean electrification is the only path to a sustainable, prosperous economy,” Carney said as he outlined how the northern corridor will connect energy, infrastructure and conservation planning in one integrated strategy.
A Massive Infrastructure Push Across Northern B.C. and Yukon
The NCTL isn’t just a power line — it’s the backbone of a broader proposal that includes:
- new transmission lines
- upgraded highways
- fibre and cell network expansion
- investments into northern communities
- and “meaningful Indigenous ownership,” according to Carney
The government is also supporting a proposed Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor, a plan to open access to mineral resources while safeguarding a conservation area “the size of Greece.”
Construction of the NCTL is expected to take 8 to 10 years, doubling electricity capacity between Prince George and Terrace, and later extending power north to Bob Quinn Lake.
A $140-million Canada Infrastructure Bank loan is already in place to support early work.
LNG, Mining & Port Growth at the Centre of the Project
The line is designed to power:
- LNG export terminals
- mining operations
- natural gas production
- Prince Rupert port expansions
BC Hydro is also considering a substation expansion and a spur line to support the Ridley Island Energy Export Facility (REEF), which handles propane, butane and potentially ethane shipments to Asian markets.
Fast-Tracking Sparks Questions About Oversight
To keep the project moving, the province has bypassed BC Utilities Commission review, avoiding what could have been an 18-month delay. However, that shortcut is drawing criticism from:
- conservation groups
- First Nations
- ratepayer advocates
- environmental watchdogs
The project has also been exempted from an environmental assessment, prompting concerns about consultation, transparency and long-term ecological impact.
Critics Say the Grid ‘Greenwashes’ LNG
Economist Marc Lee argues that powering LNG operations with clean electricity doesn’t erase the climate impact when the gas is burned overseas.
He warns that shifting forecasts suggest LNG demand may decline, risking stranded assets and an oversupply of electricity without enough buyers.
“Our politicians are racing to get this built to look busy,” Lee said. “It might become a white elephant.”
Carney pushed back, saying global LNG demand could climb 60% by 2040 — and that Canada must be ready to compete.
Economic Benefits vs. Who Pays the Bill
Werner Antweiler, a professor at UBC’s Sauder School of Business, said the project has clear economic upsides for:
- mining
- ports
- northern communities
- and Yukon grid connectivity
But he warns the “billion-dollar question” is who covers the long-term cost.
Antweiler says the province must design transparent tariffs so industries — not households — pay their share. Critics fear costs will fall on ratepayers, small businesses and everyday British Columbians.
What Comes Next
With pressure to speed up northern development, expand clean power, and secure LNG capacity, the NCTL remains one of B.C.’s most high-stakes energy projects in years.
Federal and provincial leaders call it essential.
Environmental groups call it rushed.
Economists call it risky.
Industry sees opportunity.
The debate is only intensifying as details of the corridor, consultation timelines and cost-sharing frameworks unfold in the coming months.
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