The initial tranche of major projects the federal government is hoping to get off the ground include expanding liquefied natural gas production in B.C., and upgrading the port in Montreal, CBC News has learned.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to unveil a list of five “nation-building” projects Thursday morning. The list is being sent to the newly created major projects office for consideration.
The list was printed in a draft news release shared with CBC News. The document was verified by a source speaking on the condition of confidentiality. According to that list, the projects are:
In addition, CBC News has learned Carney will also name additional projects that are at an earlier stage and require further development, but could be part of the next wave for consideration:
Speaking to his caucus in Edmonton, Carney said Wednesday the projects will “turbocharge” the economy, “diversify our products and build new markets and create those hundreds of thousands of high-paying careers for our workers, from the trades to technology.”
The projects “will increase our independence, boost our economy, align with the interests of Indigenous Peoples and advance our climate goals,” he told his Liberal MPs who are meeting ahead of the return of Parliament next week.
CBC News and Radio-Canada sources say the government’s reason for having a multi-tiered list is in part because some projects are more advanced and ready to be approved by the major projects office.
Others have been identified but require more consultation and development, those sources said.
Sources previously told Radio-Canada the first batch of projects will not include an oil pipeline. While a pipeline may not be in the first batch of projects, a Liberal source insisted the absence on the initial list does not mean that one will never happen.
The prime minister has emphasized the importance of reaching a consensus with the provinces and aligning with the interests of Indigenous communities.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith told reporters in Calgary that she won’t be concerned with an oil pipeline not being on the initial list.
The new federal Major Projects Office HQ to be in Calgary
“The list is going to be an evergreening list,” Smith said.
“It’s not, ‘Oh my gosh, this is it, nothing else can be added.’ And so we’ve got a little bit of work to do to be able to get to an environment where oil companies want to expand their production.”
Smith said she’s hopeful that “in short order, we’ll be able to get this to the finish line together.”
Radio-Canada also reported that Carney told Smith earlier this summer the involvement of a private developer was essential for a pipeline project to move forward.
So far, no company has expressed interest in financing or carrying out such a project.
During the spring sitting of Parliament the Liberals passed the One Canadian Economy Act, or Bill C-5, which essentially gave cabinet the ability to pick certain projects to speed through the regulatory process.
It’s a key promise from Carney who campaigned on “build big, build bold” during the run-up to the spring election.
The Conservatives supported the bill as a whole, while the NDP and Bloc Québécois backed a part of the bill that removes internal trade barriers.
Some Indigenous and environmental groups, along with parliamentarians — even within the Liberal Party — had raised concerns about a lack of consultation over the bill and the sweeping powers it granted.
Carney announced Wednesday that 11 Indigenous leaders from across the country will form an advisory council to the Major Projects Office.
“They will help guide the [office’s] work to ensure that major projects create opportunities for equity ownership and responsible resource management through meaningful participation with Indigenous Peoples,” a news release from the Prime Minister’s Office said.
