Prime Minister Mark Carney is preparing to unveil a second series of significant infrastructure initiatives, which will encompass multiple projects vital for the nation’s development. Sources familiar with the matter shared that among these projects are three specifically aimed at extracting crucial minerals, one designated for exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG), and at least one transmission project.
The roster of projects is anticipated to include a minimum of six ventures, such as the Sisson Mine in New Brunswick, the Crawford Nickel project in Ontario, and the Ksi Lisims LNG project in British Columbia. Additionally, an Iqaluit hydro project and the Nouveau Monde Graphite Phase 2 project in Quebec are expected to be part of the lineup. While details on the remaining projects remain undisclosed due to confidentiality surrounding internal government decisions, sources emphasized that one of them will focus on transmission infrastructure.
The official announcement of these projects is pending, and adjustments may still be made before they are revealed. The identification of major initiatives plays a crucial role in the federal government’s efforts to revamp the Canadian economy amidst concerns regarding trade and productivity challenges.
Carney is scheduled to make the announcement in Prince Rupert, B.C., where the Indigenous-led Ksi Lisims LNG project is likely to be featured. The project, with a planned capacity of up to 12 million tonnes of LNG annually, has received approval to progress to the next phase of securing permits and approvals. Notably, the Nisga’a Nation is among the primary sponsors of this venture alongside Rockies LNG Partners and Western LNG.
In a strategic move, three of the upcoming projects, including the Sisson Mine, the Nouveau Monde Graphite mine, and the Crawford Nickel project, are centered on critical minerals. Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson is expected to disclose details about the Crawford project in Timmins, Ont., during the upcoming announcement. The proposed open-pit mine has the potential to create around 1,000 direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs, as per an economic impact assessment.
Moreover, the Sisson tungsten mine near Fredericton is likely to be part of the initiative, aiming to extract significant quantities of tungsten and molybdenum-containing ore for processing. New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt expressed satisfaction that a project from her province is included in the list of major projects.
The federal budget has allocated funds for a “critical minerals sovereign fund,” earmarking $2 billion over the next five years for strategic investments. Another project expected to be featured is an Inuit-owned clean energy venture in Iqaluit, following a $6 million funding commitment by the federal government to the Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation for the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit hydro project.
Carney has emphasized that the Major Projects Office is envisioned as a dynamic platform, with continual additions to the project portfolio. The office aims to foster ongoing development rather than being a one-time initiative, as emphasized during Carney’s statement in New Brunswick.