Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal government will unveil the next round of major infrastructure projects today, according to Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Speaking to reporters Monday, Carney said the announcement will take place Thursday in Prince Rupert, British Columbia — the same region where the Indigenous-led Ksi Lisims LNG project received federal approval in September. That project has since secured all necessary permits to begin construction.
The new list follows the government’s earlier announcement for streamlining approvals for five major projects, including another LNG expansion in B.C., a small modular reactor (SMR) project in Ontario, expanded port facilities in Montreal, and new copper mines in Western Canada.
Currently, the Major Projects Office (MPO) created earlier this year to coordinate federal reviews and cut red tape is reviewing potential “nation-building projects” for accelerated consideration.
“This is not a one and done,” Carney said. “It’s a living list.
“Projects will be added regularly as we move forward to strengthen Canada’s economy.”
The federal budget, tabled last week, allocates $214 million for infrastructure projects over five years, and another $10 million for Indigenous consultation work. The new funding is a cornerstone of the government’s growth strategy, which emphasizes expediting energy, resource, and infrastructure projects to diversify trade and reduce reliance on the U.S. market.
Upcoming contenders for fast-tracked designation include the Toronto–Québec City high-speed rail project, port expansion in Churchill, Manitoba, new critical minerals developments, and the Pathways Plus carbon capture and storage project in Alberta’s oil sands.