Ottawa Green-lights Five Major Projects in National Interest

Prime Minister Mark Carney today unveiled the first batch of five “nation-building” projects to be fast-tracked under the newly established Major Projects Office (MPO). The government says these projects are intended to spur economic growth, expand energy and mineral capacity, and strengthen Canada’s infrastructure and trade position. Through the MPO, Ottawa plans to move projects of national importance from approval to implementation within two years, applying a streamlined “one project, one review, one decision” approach while working closely with provinces, Indigenous communities, and private partners.

The five approved projects include LNG Canada Phase 2 in Kitimat, British Columbia, which will double the facility’s capacity while producing emissions significantly lower than current global benchmarks. In Ontario, the Darlington New Nuclear Project will see the construction of small modular reactors, supplying clean energy to thousands of homes and creating jobs in both construction and operations. Quebec will see the Contrecœur Terminal Container Project, an expansion of the Port of Montréal designed to boost container capacity, improve logistics, and diversify supply chains. In Saskatchewan, the McIlvenna Bay Mine Project will bring a new copper-zinc operation online in partnership with First Nations, aimed at shoring up Canada’s supply of critical minerals for batteries and clean technologies. Finally, in northern British Columbia, the Red Chris Mine Expansion will extend the life of an existing gold-copper mine, increase copper production, and operate with lower greenhouse gas emissions through collaboration with the Tahltan Nation.

These projects represent Ottawa’s bid to fast-track development in areas deemed vital to Canada’s economic and geopolitical future. The focus on critical minerals, cleaner energy, and trade infrastructure highlights the government’s effort to reduce reliance on single markets while positioning Canada as a reliable global supplier. Officials stress that Indigenous engagement will be central to ensuring projects move forward quickly, responsibly, and with shared benefits. The government’s hope is that this new framework will avoid years-long delays and instead deliver major infrastructure that strengthens the country’s long-term resilience.