Prime Minister Mark Carney is preparing to unveil a second wave of “nation-building endeavors,” which will include a minimum of three projects focused on extracting critical minerals, one for the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG), and at least one transmission project, as per sources familiar with the matter. The forthcoming announcement is anticipated to encompass a total of at least six initiatives, notably the Sisson Mine in New Brunswick for critical minerals, the Crawford Nickel project in Ontario, and the Ksi Lisims liquefied natural gas project in British Columbia. Additionally, the lineup is expected to feature the Iqaluit hydro project and the Nouveau Monde Graphite Phase 2 project in Quebec.
There are indications that one of the remaining two projects is likely to be a transmission initiative; however, the exact details have not been disclosed as of yet due to confidentiality constraints. The official list of projects has not been finalized and remains subject to alterations until the official announcement.
The identification of significant projects plays a pivotal role in the federal government’s efforts to revamp the Canadian economy in light of trade and productivity challenges. The initial batch of projects was disclosed in September, aiming to stimulate private investment and streamline regulatory processes for projects encountering bureaucratic obstacles.
Prime Minister Carney, who is slated to make the announcement in Prince Rupert, B.C., this week, has fueled speculations regarding the inclusion of the Indigenous-proposed Ksi Lisims natural gas liquefaction facility and marine terminal project in the upcoming list — speculations that have been corroborated by sources. The projected capacity of this endeavor is up to 12 million tonnes of LNG per annum, presenting substantial economic and employment prospects. The project received approval to progress to the next phase of seeking permits and approvals from the authorities in September.
Among the latest projects, three are centered on critical minerals, including the Sisson Mine in New Brunswick, the Nouveau Monde Graphite mine, and the Crawford Nickel project in Ontario. Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson is set to introduce the Crawford project in Timmins, Ont., later this week. The proposed Crawford mine has passed the feasibility stage in 2023 and is currently in the permitting phase, with plans for an open-pit mining operation that could generate approximately 1,000 direct and 3,000 indirect employment opportunities.
The Sisson tungsten mine, situated north of Fredericton, is also anticipated to be part of the upcoming list. If realized, the mine is projected to extract an average of 30,000 tonnes per day of tungsten and molybdenum-containing ore for on-site processing. New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt expressed satisfaction that a project from her province has been included in the list, highlighting the positive impact on the region’s economic development.
The recent federal budget includes the establishment of a “critical minerals sovereign fund,” with a commitment of $2 billion over five years for strategic investments. Furthermore, an Inuit-owned clean energy venture in Iqaluit is expected to be among the listed projects. The federal government had previously allocated $6 million in funding to the Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation for its Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit hydro project earlier this year.
Once operational, the hydro project in Iqaluit is envisioned to be a 15- to 30-megawatt traditional water power plant, potentially aiding the city in reducing its dependence on diesel-generated electricity. Prime Minister Carney emphasized that the Major Projects Office’s mandate involves maintaining a dynamic project list, with new entries continually being added, emphasizing its ongoing nature beyond the initial round of projects.