In mid-2025, the Major Projects Office (MPO) was established by the federal government with the intent to fast-track nation-building infrastructure projects by streamlining and accelerating regulatory approval processes, coordinating financing, and enabling Canada to build major projects (such as ports, railways, energy corridors, critical minerals developments, and clean energy initiatives) at speeds not seen in generations.

This approach was framed as essential to transforming Canada’s economy in the context of a rapidly shifting global landscape. As geopolitical tensions rise and global supply chains are increasingly fragmented, Canada can no longer rely on incremental change or a narrow set of economic relationships. Instead, a more deliberate strategy is required to position the country for long-term competitiveness and stability.

A central objective of this shift is to diversify Canada’s trading relationships. Over-concentration in any single market leaves the economy exposed to political, regulatory, and economic shocks beyond its control. Expanding access to new markets, particularly in Europe, Asia, and emerging economies, would reduce vulnerability while opening new opportunities for Canadian goods, services, and capital.

Closely tied to this is the need to reduce Canada’s heavy reliance on the United States as its primary trade partner. While the bilateral relationship will remain foundational, ongoing trade tensions and policy uncertainty have underscored the risks of overdependence. A more balanced trade portfolio would strengthen Canada’s negotiating position and provide greater economic resilience during periods of diplomatic or economic strain.

This transformation also aims to reinforce Canada’s role as an energy superpower, spanning both clean and conventional energy. With world-class resources, technical expertise, and increasingly competitive low-carbon technologies, Canada is uniquely positioned to supply reliable, responsibly produced energy to global markets. Leveraging this advantage can support energy security abroad while advancing domestic emissions-reduction goals.

As we enter 2026, we’re taking a closer look at the projects announced in 2025, what may be in the pipeline for the year ahead, and most importantly, what the emergence of this office signals for the future of renewables development in Canada.

Overview of the MPO

The MPO was established under the Building Canada Act, which came into effect in June 2025, and was officially launched on August 29 by Prime Minister Mark Carney. The first major projects were announced shortly thereafter in September. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, the MPO is expected to expand to other major Canadian cities, though the government has not yet provided a timeline.

Strategic Context

The MPO was created in response to a rapidly changing global economic landscape, including trade tensions and the need to reduce Canada’s reliance on the U.S. as our single largest trading partner. The goal of the office is to make Canada’s economy more resilient, self-sufficient, competitive, and prosperous by accelerating the development of large-scale infrastructure and resource projects. It is intended to address longstanding criticisms of slow regulatory processes that have delayed major projects for years or decades. Its aim is to position Canada as an “energy superpower” while diversifying trade, creating jobs, and supporting clean energy transitions.

Mandate

At its heart, the MPO is designed to cut through red tape and help the most important infrastructure and energy projects in Canada move forward more quickly and predictably. Its core mandate is to:

• Serve as a single point of contact for project proponents, governments, Indigenous Peoples, and stakeholders.

• Streamline federal regulatory assessments and approvals.

• Coordinate financing from private sector, provincial/territorial partners, and federal tools (e.g., Canada Infrastructure Bank, Canada Growth Fund, Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program).

• Advance projects deemed of national importance, consolidating conditions into a single document and aiming for “one project, one review” in cooperation with provinces/territories.

• Ensure strong partnership and consultation with Indigenous Peoples, including through an Indigenous Advisory Council.

• Reduce federal approval timelines to a maximum of two years for designated national interest projects (down from up to five years previously).

It absorbed functions from the previous Clean Growth Office (launched in 2024) but has a broader scope beyond just clean energy.

Designation Process

The journey begins when a project is submitted to the MPO by a company, Indigenous community, or government that believes it could have national significance. From there, the office conducts an initial review to evaluate how the project contributes to national priorities and what federal approvals it may need.

Consultation is a continuous part of the process. In this early stage and throughout what follows, the MPO works with Indigenous Peoples, provincial and territorial governments, and relevant federal ministers to ensure voices are heard and concerns are addressed.

If the MPO determines a project may be in the national interest, it moves into a formal designation process. First, the responsible Minister makes a recommendation to the Governor in Council that the project be added to a special list of nationally significant initiatives. A 30‑day public notice is then published, and provinces or territories can formally consent if the project falls within their jurisdiction. Finally, the Governor in Council decides whether to list the project and issues an official order. Once listed, the project and its basic details are made publicly available.

After a project is officially on the list, the focus shifts to implementation. Rather than asking whether it should proceed, the MPO helps coordinate all necessary regulatory approvals and consultations so that the real question becomes how the project can move forward responsibly. All federal conditions are consolidated into a single document, and the streamlined process aims to complete this phase within a two‑year timeline.

Defining “Energy Superpower”

The MPO is tasked with fast-tracking transformative infrastructure to position Canada as a global energy superpower, encompassing both clean energy (renewables, nuclear, hydro, grid modernization) and conventional energy (natural gas/LNG and oil-related infrastructure linked with emissions reductions).

This broad definition emphasizes reliable, affordable energy production and export, critical minerals for the energy transition, diversified trade partners (reducing U.S. reliance), economic resilience, job creation, and emissions reductions while upholding environmental and Indigenous rights.

Key Deliverables in the Energy Superpower Pursuit

The MPO delivers these through streamlined approvals, financing coordination, and partnerships:

• Conventional Energy Exports — Accelerate LNG facilities and pipelines to export low-carbon-intensity natural gas to Asia and Europe, enhancing energy security and global supply (e.g., LNG Canada Phase 2 expansion, Ksi Lisims floating LNG).

• Clean Energy Leadership — Deploy advanced nuclear (e.g., Darlington Small Modular Reactors, first G7 operational SMRs), hydroelectric developments (e.g., Inuit-owned Iqaluit hydro replacing diesel), offshore/Atlantic wind integration, and grid interconnections (e.g., North Coast Transmission Line, Yukon-B.C. Grid Connect).

• Critical Minerals Supply Chains — Develop mines and processing for nickel, graphite, copper, zinc, and tungsten essential to batteries, renewables, and defense (e.g., Canada Nickel Crawford, Nouveau Monde Graphite Matawinie, Red Chris expansion).

• Emissions-Reduction Infrastructure — Support carbon capture/utilization/storage (e.g., Pathways Alliance for oil sands), electrified transmission to displace fossil fuels, and net-zero mining operations.

• Energy Corridors and Trade Diversification — Build enabling infrastructure like transmission lines, ports, and pipelines to connect resources to new markets, creating economic corridors and self-sufficiency.

By January 2026, referred projects represent over $116 billion in investments, thousands of jobs, and strategies for clean/conventional balance, positioning Canada as a top supplier of secure, low-emission energy and transition materials.

Strategic Project Pipeline and Economic Impact

As of December 2025, the MPO had referred two tranches of projects:

First Tranche: Five Projects Referred in September 2025

The first tranche of projects were announced on September 11, 2025, representing approximately $60 billion in potential investment. They focused on nuclear energy, LNG expansion, critical minerals mining, and trade corridor infrastructure.

1. LNG Canada Phase 2 (Kitimat, British Columbia)

• Expansion of the existing LNG Canada facility to double Canada’s liquefied natural gas production capacity.

• Expected to attract ~$33 billion in private-sector investment, boost GDP, create jobs in local communities, and open pathways for other LNG projects.

• Aims to supply low-carbon intensity energy to global markets, particularly in Asia and Europe.

2. Darlington Small Modular Reactors (Darlington, Ontario)

• Deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) at Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington site.

• Supports clean nuclear energy production to meet growing demand and advance Canada’s clean energy transition.

3. Contrecoeur Container Terminal Expansion (Port of Montreal, Quebec)

• Major upgrade and expansion of the Montreal Port Authority’s Contrecoeur terminal.

• Enhances trade corridor capacity, improving Canada’s ability to diversify exports and handle increased container traffic.

4. Red Chris Mine Expansion (Northwest British Columbia)

• Expansion of the existing copper-gold mine operated by Imperial Metals/Newcrest.

• Extends mine life by over a decade, increases annual copper production by over 15%, employs ~1,500 during operations (peak 1,800 in construction), reduces GHG emissions by over 70%, and aims to be Canada’s first net-zero copper project.

5. Critical Minerals Mine (Saskatchewan)

• Development or expansion focused on copper or other critical minerals, with smelting in Saskatchewan and Quebec.

• Creates ~400 jobs, supports local economies, and positions Canada in global supply chains for critical minerals.

Second Tranche: Projects Referred in November 2025

Announced on November 13, 2025, these projects represent approximately $56 billion in potential investment, supporting up to 68,000 jobs. They emphasize low-emission LNG, clean transmission infrastructure, and critical minerals mining.

1. Ksi Lisims LNG (Pearce Island/Prince Rupert area, British Columbia)

• Floating LNG facility led by the Nisga’a Nation, in partnership with Rockies LNG and Western LNG.

• Capacity up to 12 million tonnes per year; designed as one of the world’s lowest-emission LNG operations (94% below global average when fully electrified).

• Includes the 800 km Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline and a 95 km electrical transmission line.

• Expected ~$30 billion investment, thousands of jobs, and strengthened export position.

2. North Coast Transmission Line (Northwest British Columbia)

• Major electricity transmission infrastructure to support clean energy delivery and electrification of industrial projects (e.g., linking to LNG facilities and mining).

• Enables economic development in northwest B.C., including job creation and reduced emissions through clean power.

3. Canada Nickel’s Crawford Nickel Project (Timmins, Ontario)

• Open-pit nickel-cobalt mine and on-site processing facility on the world’s second-largest nickel reserve.

• Focuses on low-carbon nickel for EV batteries and green steel; emissions projected 90% below global average, with potential net-negative carbon footprint.

• Model for responsible critical minerals development.

4. Sisson Tungsten-Molybdenum Mine (New Brunswick)

• Development of the Sisson Mine to produce tungsten (the strongest metal) and molybdenum.

• Positions Canada as a reliable supplier for steel manufacturing, defence applications, and protective equipment.

5. Nouveau Monde Graphite’s Matawinie Mine (Quebec)

• Graphite mine and processing for anode material in batteries, supporting clean tech and EV supply chains.

6. Additional Critical Minerals/Transmission Projects (variously reported, including potential hydro or further mining initiatives)

• Sources indicate 6–7 total in the tranche, with emphasis on tungsten, graphite, nickel, and supporting infrastructure like transmission lines. Some reports highlight broader critical minerals alliances and clean energy ties.

Progress on major projects includes early approvals, such as for components of the Ksi Lisims project, and financing commitments through tools like the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Early actions have also involved signing memoranda of understanding, for example for the Contrecoeur terminal, securing approvals for projects like LNG facilities, and expanding programs such as the Indigenous Loan Guarantee to $10 billion.

Implications for Renewables Development

The MPO benefits extend to renewable energy projects including solar, onshore/offshore wind, hydro, geothermal, and supporting transmission infrastructure, that qualify as nationally significant.

Key advantages include:

• Faster permitting: The “one project, one review” approach and two-year federal timeline cap can overcome historical delays in environmental assessments and approvals.

• Coordinated financing: Access to tools like the Canada Infrastructure Bank and Canada Growth Fund can mobilize private investment for large-scale builds.

• Enhanced partnerships: Strong emphasis on Indigenous consultation and equity participation aligns with many renewable developments led or co-developed by Indigenous communities.

Early examples demonstrate this potential:

• Initiatives like Wind West Atlantic Energy (leveraging vast offshore wind resources in Atlantic Canada) and the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydro Project (Inuit-led hydro in Nunavut) are being advanced for regulatory certainty and investment attraction.

• Transmission projects, such as the North Coast Transmission Line, facilitate renewable integration by delivering clean power to grids and industrial users.

Nuclear developments (e.g., Darlington SMRs) provide complementary baseload support for intermittent renewables.

While the MPO is well-positioned to accelerate the development and deployment of renewable power generation assets as well as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), its broad mandate, encompassing LNG and critical minerals alongside clean energy, has sparked debate. Environmental advocates argue for greater prioritization of pure renewables to align with net-zero goals, while critics question if fast-tracking risks diluting safeguards.

Maintaining Safeguards

Concerns about the MPO potentially diluting environmental safeguards and Indigenous consultation have been acknowledged by the Government of Canada. They have emphasized that the office’s framework strengthens, rather than weakens, these protections through legislative mandates, dedicated funding, and collaborative structures under the Building Canada Act. 

Officials, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, have stated that meaningful Indigenous consultation is “non-negotiable” and will be embedded at every stage, from designating projects as national interest to developing rigorous conditions, all while upholding Section 35 constitutional rights, the duty to consult, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), including free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC). Projects cannot proceed without Indigenous involvement, and the government has committed to co-developing consultation mechanisms, incorporating Indigenous knowledge, and ensuring distinctions-based approaches (e.g., tailored for First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and self-governing communities).

To counter fears of diluted safeguards, the government highlights that the MPO maintains Canada’s “rigorous environmental standards” while streamlining approvals to achieve “one project, one review” and decisions within two years. This includes requiring project proponents to meet federal benchmarks for transparency, regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and addressing cumulative effects on land, water, wildlife, and harvesting rights. Holistic assessments incorporating Indigenous perspectives on sustainability are prioritized, with public registries for consultations and conditions to ensure accountability.

Key initiatives in response include:

• Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC): Established in September 2025 with 11 representatives from diverse Indigenous groups to guide MPO operations, inform implementation, and ensure equity ownership and responsible resource management. The council complements—but does not replace—direct consultation duties.

• Capacity Funding: $40 million over two years to boost Indigenous communities’ ability to engage in consultations, conduct assessments, and prepare for project opportunities, addressing administrative burdens from increased proposals.

• Economic Participation: Doubling the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program to $10 billion to facilitate equity stakes in projects, promoting long-term benefits and partnerships.

• Ongoing Engagement: Summer 2025 summits with First Nations and Métis leaders gathered input on priorities, with commitments to regional sessions, project-specific consultations, and follow-up on protocols to build trust and avoid past failures.

In direct responses to critics, such as during engagements with Manitoba First Nations, MPO officials have reiterated reliance on the IAC for refining engagement approaches and ensuring no bypass of the Indian Act or inherent rights. The government frames the MPO as a tool for balanced economic growth that aligns with net-zero goals, Indigenous reconciliation, and environmental integrity, rather than a rollback of protections.

Looking Ahead

As we step into 2026, the Major Projects Office stands poised to deliver transformative progress on its referred projects, marking a turning point in Canada’s journey toward economic resilience and global competitiveness.

With nearly $120 billion in potential investments already in motion from the 2025 tranches, the MPO is accelerating milestones in environmental assessments, permitting, and final investment decisions. New referrals are anticipated, including Alberta’s planned application for a northwest coast energy corridor by mid-2026, further diversifying trade routes and reinforcing Canada’s role as a reliable supplier of low-emission energy and essential transition materials.

Through its “One Project, One Review” model and capped two-year timelines, the MPO is designed to unlock thousands of high-paying jobs, billions in GDP growth, and strategic self-sufficiency amid global uncertainties. By balancing conventional and clean energy advancements with unwavering commitments to Indigenous partnerships, environmental stewardship, and reconciliation, the MPO is laying the foundation for a prosperous, sustainable future.

The promise of the MPO is that 2026 will be the year referrals turn into shovels in the ground, proving that Canada is ready to build big, build responsibly, and build strong as an energy superpower for the 21st century.