PM Mark Carney endorses seven major projects worth billions, aiming to strengthen Canada’s energy capacity, critical minerals supply, and economic independence.
Carney Endorses Seven Major Projects to Accelerate Canada’s Energy Transformation
Ambitious Push to Revive a Tariff-Hit Economy
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced seven major projects on Thursday that he is recommending for expedited approval under the federal Major Projects Office, a move aimed at injecting long-term strength into an economy strained by international tariffs and supply instability. Carney said the new slate of initiatives will help Canada become more economically autonomous and advance its position in the global energy market.
High-Value Projects Anchored in Critical Minerals and Energy
The newly recommended developments include large-scale proposals in mining, energy infrastructure, LNG production, and clean power expansion across multiple provinces and territories. According to federal estimates, these projects—combined with five previously supported in September—represent a total $116 billion in economic value, signaling the government’s most aggressive push yet toward energy security and resource development.
Carney Says Projects Are “Transformational”
Carney emphasized that each approved initiative plays a “transformational” role in reducing reliance on the U.S. market while positioning Canada as a global energy and critical minerals superpower. He said the projects will strengthen trade corridors, expand industrial capacity, and help Canada compete in sectors where demand is soaring, including batteries, electrification, and clean fuels.
List of Newly Announced Projects
The seven priority projects announced include:
Sisson Mine (New Brunswick) – A tungsten mine to support high-strength steel and defence sectors.
Crawford Nickel Project (Ontario) – A large-scale nickel mine vital for batteries and steel production.
Ksi Lisims LNG (British Columbia) – An Indigenous-led, $30-billion LNG facility producing 12 million tonnes per year for global export.
Iqaluit Hydro Project (Nunavut) – The territory’s first fully Inuit-owned hydro initiative, replacing 15 million litres of imported diesel annually.
Nouveau Monde Graphite Phase 2 (Quebec) – A major graphite expansion to supply defence and EV battery markets.
Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor (B.C.–Yukon) – A strategic project connecting resource zones and protected lands.
North Coast Transmission Line (Northwest B.C.) – A clean-energy transmission route with potential to link Yukon to the national grid.
Infrastructure to Strengthen Northern and Coastal Communities
Federal officials say the North Coast Transmission Line will help deliver affordable clean power and stable telecommunications to remote West Coast communities. The proposal includes a potential extension into Yukon, offering the territory long-sought integration with the Canadian electricity grid, and paving the way for future industrial growth in the North.
Indigenous-Led LNG Project Takes Centre Stage
Among the highest-profile proposals is the Ksi Lisims LNG development on Pearse Island, B.C., designed and led by Indigenous partners. The project, valued at approximately $30 billion, would export LNG primarily to Asian markets and operate with some of the lowest carbon intensity benchmarks in the global LNG sector.
Critical Minerals at the Core of Canada’s Strategy
Three of the seven projects focus on critical minerals, aligning with Carney’s goal of making Canada a key supplier for the electric vehicle, renewable energy, and defence industries. Nickel, graphite, and tungsten from the Crawford, Matawinie, and Sisson mines are expected to bolster domestic manufacturing capacity and create new international export pathways.
A Step Toward Long-Term Energy Independence
Carney said the recommendations are part of a broader effort to move Canada away from U.S. energy dependence, while building stronger ties with global markets hungry for critical minerals and clean energy. The government expects the projects to support thousands of jobs, accelerate industrial growth, and strengthen Canada’s negotiating power in international trade.
