Canada’s Major Projects Office: 3 Factors Critical for its Success

Canada’s Major Projects Office: 3 Factors Critical for its Success

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Canada Major Projects Office - 3 Factors for Success v2-01

The Major Projects Office (MPO), enabled by the “Building Canada Act” is a welcome turning point for Canadians and Indigenous peoples, and for our economy as a whole. It gives Canada the first chance in many years to break the logjam that has held back our biggest and boldest economic projects, particularly those in the resources sector.

If we want real jobs, lasting prosperity, and the freedom to build a future on our own terms, the time to act on these projects is now. Cutting to the chase, the MPO initiative will only succeed in a big way if the following three things happen.

First, the MPO must keep Indigenous rights and participation at the core of project approval processes, along with potential equity stakes and ownership opportunities. Thankfully, Indigenous participation is already central to the MPO, as it is required for the office to list a project as a national priority. Ksi Lisims LNG, Woodfibre LNG, Cedar LNG, and Coastal GasLink are great examples of how Indigenous involvement and ownership can help advance such projects rather quickly in Canada. The federal government’s appointment of an 11-member Indigenous Advisory Council to the MPO is a great first step toward ensuring First Nations are consulted and included in new major projects.

Second, Canada must look to other countries for inspiration on how to “build, baby build,” as Prime Minister Mark Carney has said in the past. Germany’s Wilhelmshaven liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility is an excellent example of what’s possible when a country gets serious about its economic and energy security. It was built in just under 12 months. The United States has also rapidly approved and constructed several LNG export facilities over the past several years.

Canada, on the other hand, has a poor track record with big project timelines. The recently completed LNG Canada, for example, was first proposed in 2011 and made its first shipment to Asia in June—nearly 15 years before proponents saw a dime in return on their investment. The Trans Mountain Expansion followed a similar timeline; it was first proposed in 2012 and began operations more than a decade later in 2024. If we’re to actually build major projects, it’s evident that such lengthy timelines cannot continue.

Third, Canada must undertake a serious review of regulatory roadblocks that are hindering capital investment in new major projects. These include, but are not limited to, the oil and gas emissions cap, the West Coast tanker ban, and Bill C-69, the Impact Assessment Act. At every turn, Canadian leaders have indicated that these laws are in the way of building big things in Canada, and must be amended or repealed in a significant capacity for proponents to become serious about investing in major projects once again. There are other laws that also make Canada’s economy uncompetitive on the international stage, but you get the gist.

The MPO seems to be a fresh start for Canadians. It has a chance to get this right by focusing on Indigenous participation and ownership, drawing inspiration from our international peers, and removing red tape—and investor uncertainty—along the way.

Mark Carney, Canada's PM, also has a fresh opportunity to make big changes that will drastically improve Canada for the better. He is saying all the right things, but we need action—the time for words is over.

Canadians need jobs, economic certainty, and a bright, prosperous future in an economy insulated from the political whims of the U.S. The MPO is a start, but it’s clear as day that more can be done to ensure this future vision wholeheartedly comes to fruition.

About the Author

Estella Petersen

Estella Petersen is a heavy machinery operator in the oil sands out of Fort McMurray. She is from the Cowessess Reserve and is passionate about Canada and supporting Canadian natural resources.