Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled the second batch of infrastructure projects under review by Canada’s Major Projects Office, fulfilling his promise to announce them before the Grey Cup weekend. These projects, valued at $56 billion, include energy, mining, and critical minerals initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth while advancing national interests.
1. Overview of the Major Projects Office
The Major Projects Office was established to streamline reviews of significant infrastructure projects deemed potentially “nation-building.” The office evaluates projects to expedite permitting and approval processes, though no project has yet received a national-interest designation.
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2. Key Projects in the Second Batch
The latest wave of projects spans multiple provinces and territories, including:
- LNG export and transmission in B.C.
- Critical minerals mines in Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick
- A hydroelectric project in Nunavut
Together, these initiatives add up to $56 billion in proposed investment, supplementing the $60 billion announced in September’s first batch.
3. Ksi Lisims LNG Project
The proposed floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal on Pearse Island, B.C., is a joint venture between the Nisga’a Nation, Rockies LNG, and Texas-based Western LNG.
- Targeted export: 12 million tonnes per year of liquefied natural gas
- Start-up: 2029
- Includes: 800 km Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project and 95 km electrical transmission line
- Regulatory status: Conditional approval from B.C. government and Ottawa; some First Nations opposition
The project aims to connect northeast B.C. gas fields to global markets via Pacific shipping routes.
4. North Coast Transmission Line
BC Hydro’s proposed 450-kilometre transmission line will run from Prince George to Terrace, B.C., supplying power to Ksi Lisims and other industrial developments.
- Cost: Estimated $6 billion
- Early-stage funding: $139.5 million loan from Canada Infrastructure Bank
- Expected benefits: Thousands of jobs and millions in public revenue annually
5. Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor
The federal government is coordinating with Indigenous communities and B.C. authorities to develop a corridor that includes:
- Power, highway, telecommunications, port, and rail infrastructure
- Conservation areas comparable in size to Greece
- Key projects: Red Chris Mine expansion, Ksi Lisims LNG, North Coast Transmission Line
This corridor aims to unlock critical mineral resources while balancing environmental protection.
6. Canada Nickel Crawford Project
Located north of Timmins, Ontario, this nickel project is part of the world’s second-largest reserve.
- Products: Nickel, with potential for iron, cobalt, platinum, palladium, chromium
- Environmental footprint: 90% below global average, with potential net-negative emissions
- Investment: $5 billion, creating 4,000 jobs
- Use: Stainless steel, electric vehicle batteries, and more
7. Nouveau Monde Graphite Matawinie Mine
The open-pit mine near Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Quebec, will supply graphite for defence and electric vehicle applications.
- Linked to Bécancour Battery Material Plant
- Part of the Critical Minerals Production Alliance
- Investment: $1.8 billion, creating 1,000 jobs
- Construction start: Early next year
8. Northcliff Resources’ Sisson Mine
This tungsten and molybdenum project in Sisson, New Brunswick, is located 100 km northwest of Fredericton.
- Partners: Northcliff Resources and Todd Corp (New Zealand)
- Status: Federal approval in 2017; construction deadline extended
- Funding: $8 million from Natural Resources Canada, $20.7 million from U.S. Department of Defense
9. Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydro Project
Nunavut’s first fully Inuit-owned hydro project will replace 15 million litres of imported diesel annually.
- Capacity: Up to 30 MW
- Location: Kuugulak River, 60 km northeast of Iqaluit
- Timeline: Final investment decision 2029, construction 2030, commissioning 2033
- Significance: Enhances Arctic sovereignty and sustainable energy in the region
10. Economic and Job Impacts
Collectively, the second batch of projects is expected to:
- Generate thousands of direct full-time jobs
- Attract tens of billions in investment
- Strengthen Canada’s position in critical minerals and sustainable energy
- Support Indigenous participation and Arctic development
11. External Resources
- Government of Canada – Major Projects Office
- CBC News – Canada Infrastructure Projects
12. Conclusion
The second wave of nation-building projects reviewed by the Major Projects Office underscores Canada’s focus on strategic infrastructure, critical minerals, and clean energy. With investments totaling $56 billion, these projects have the potential to create jobs, foster sustainable development, and enhance Canada’s global competitiveness.