Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the first five major projects, including LNG expansion, a nuclear plant, and mine developments, with a total investment exceeding $60 billion. CTV
Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled the first five major nation-building projects on Thursday, aiming to boost Canada’s economy coast to coast. The announcement came at the Liberal caucus retreat in Edmonton. Carney said, “By moving forward today, we won’t just catalyze new ports, energy corridors, other engines of progress. We’ll also open the bounds of Canada’s imagination about the future that we can build for each other.”
The projects are part of the federal plan to strengthen Canada’s economy amid trade tensions with the United States. The Prime Minister highlighted the potential for job creation and private-sector investment.
Key Projects Announced
Among the projects, LNG Canada Phase 2 in Kitimat, B.C., will double the country’s liquefied natural gas production. Carney emphasized expanding Canadian LNG to new markets, including Europe. Energy Minister Tim Hodgson noted, “There are buyers for Canadian LNG.”
The other projects include:
- Darlington New Nuclear Project in Bowmanville, Ont., creating Canada’s first small modular reactor (SMR) in the G7.
- Contrecœur Terminal Container Project, expanding the Port of Montréal by roughly 60 per cent.
- McIlvenna Bay Foran Copper Mine Project in Saskatchewan.
- Red Chris Mine expansion in B.C.
Together, these projects represent over $60 billion in investment.
Future Projects in Planning
Carney also highlighted projects still in early stages:
- Wind West Atlantic Energy in Nova Scotia with over 50 GWs potential.
- Pathways Plus, a carbon capture and storage initiative in Alberta.
- Arctic Economic Security Corridor, supporting northern mineral development and defence.
- Port of Churchill Plus, upgrading Manitoba’s port.
- Alto High-Speed Rail, connecting Toronto and Québec City over 1,000 km.
The Major Projects Office (MPO), led by Dawn Farrell, will streamline regulatory approvals and further develop these initiatives. Bill C-5, the Building Canada Act, gives the MPO broad powers to approve projects of national interest. Carney confirmed, “There will be some contributions” from federal funds, but the bulk of investment will come from private dollars.
Political Reactions
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the plan, calling it a “new bureaucracy in Ottawa.” He claimed, “He’s not permitted a single major mine, pipeline, nuclear plant or anything else…this will one day consider possibly approving five projects. This is pathetic.”
Notably, no pipeline is included in the first phase. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, advocating for a pipeline to B.C.’s North Coast, met Carney in Edmonton. Smith described the meeting as “encouraging” and noted the government’s support for both conventional and new energy projects.
Carney emphasized climate considerations, saying projects must advance Canada’s environmental objectives. Mining and LNG projects were chosen for their lower carbon footprint. A second round of major projects is expected by the Grey Cup in November.
Prime Minister Mark Carney launched Canada’s first five major projects, including LNG expansion, a nuclear project, and mine developments. Investments exceed $60 billion. Other projects, such as high-speed rail, Arctic corridors, and renewable energy initiatives, are in early planning. Federal oversight will ensure regulatory efficiency while supporting private investment and climate goals.
