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Canada is starting a new federal office called the Major Projects Office. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced it as a big step to push the country’s growth. The goal is to make it easier and faster to build important things like ports, railways, energy corridors, and clean technology.
The office is being set up in Calgary, but it will also have branches in other parts of the country. Its main job is to cut through delays, reduce paperwork, and make sure big projects get approved and built within two years instead of dragging on for much longer. It will bring together the federal government, provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners so that each project only goes through one review instead of many.
Carney said this is an urgent time for Canada. He reminded people that the country has always been built by bold projects, from the St. Lawrence Seaway to Expo 67. He said Canada now needs to act with the same spirit, moving from relying too much on old ways to building a stronger and more resilient economy.
To lead the new office, the government has appointed Dawn Farrell. She has decades of experience in the energy and utilities sector, including leadership roles at Trans Mountain Corporation, TransAlta, and BC Hydro. Her job will be to guide the office as it finds its footing and handles the tough task of getting massive projects moving quickly.
The Major Projects Office is not just about rules and approvals. It will also help bring in money for development. It plans to work with the Canada Growth Fund, the Infrastructure Bank, and Indigenous funding programs to pool both public and private investment. This mix of support is expected to give major projects the push they need to get off the ground.
Dominic LeBlanc, the Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs, called this a turning point for Canada. He said by working closely with Indigenous governments and simplifying approvals, the country will strengthen its trade ties, build its position as a global energy leader, and secure long-term prosperity.
A big part of this plan is making sure Indigenous communities are at the center of the process. An Indigenous Advisory Council will be created, bringing in voices from First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Modern Treaty partners. The government has promised that projects will move forward with ongoing consultation and that they will bring real economic benefits to Indigenous communities while supporting reconciliation.
The first set of major projects under this office will be announced soon. This will mark the beginning of a new phase in how Canada plans, approves, and builds the infrastructure that shapes its future.