By NetNewsLedger National News — September 11, 2025
Thunder Bay – NEWS – Canada’s new Major Projects Office (MPO) has been tasked with cutting federal reviews for “projects of national interest” to a maximum of two years, and the first five files are now on the fast-track—spanning LNG, nuclear, mining, and port expansion. The package is pitched as a C$60-billion boost to competitiveness and trade diversification.
What’s on the fast-track list
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LNG Canada Phase 2 (Kitimat, B.C.): Would double output, targeting Asian and European demand with lower-emissions LNG.
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Darlington New Nuclear (Bowmanville, Ont.): First G7 operational SMR; power for ~300,000 homes and a major lift to Ontario’s nuclear supply chain.
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Contrecoeur Container Terminal (Québec): ~60% capacity expansion for the Port of Montréal to meet rising cargo demand and diversify routes.
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McIlvenna Bay (Sask.): Foran Mining’s copper-zinc project positioned as a low-emissions critical-minerals operation.
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Red Chris expansion (Northwest B.C.): Extends mine life 10+ years, boosts Canada’s annual copper output by >15%, and targets >70% GHG reductions at operation.
Bigger than five: the “transformative” pipeline
Beyond the initial slate, Ottawa flagged concepts that could reshape energy, mobility, and security: Critical Minerals (incl. the Ring of Fire), Wind West Atlantic Energy (60 GW potential), Pathways Plus CCUS (Alberta), the Arctic Economic & Security Corridor, Port of Churchill Plus, and ALTO high-speed rail (Toronto–Québec City; up to 300 km/h, construction targeted in four years under the MPO plan).
Why it matters nationally
The move formalizes a single-window approach—“one project, one review”—to tackle decade-long timelines that have deterred investment. Ottawa says the first cohort alone represents >C$60B in economic activity and “thousands” of high-paying jobs, with more projects to be referred in the coming weeks. Independent reporting underscores the strategic aim: speed builds that diversify markets and reduce over-reliance on any one trading partner.
Northwestern Ontario lens: ‘Don’t forget Highway 11/17’
The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) applauded the MPO launch but renewed its call to elevate the **Trans-Canada corridor through Northwestern Ontario—Highway 11/17—**as a top nation-building priority. NOMA argues the two-lane stretches, closures and collision risks are a national supply-chain vulnerability, urging Ottawa and Queen’s Park to fast-track upgrades, including 2+1 and selective twinning. Recent advocacy from NOMA and FONOM has pressed for treating 11/17 as the region’s “400-series” corridor.
NOMA President Rick Dumas stated, “Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to transformative projects of national interest. Yet no project is more vital to Canada’s future than ensuring that Highway 11/17 is safe, efficient, and reliable. This corridor is our lifeline to Western Canada—a true nation-building project that must be elevated as part of the country’s economic and transportation vision.”
NOMA Executive Vice-President Fred Mota added: “The projects announced today—LNG, nuclear, mining, ports—will all depend on strong transportation corridors to succeed.
“Highway 11/17 is not just a Northwestern Ontario issue; it is a national issue. We urge both levels of government to treat Highway 11/17 as our region’s 400-series highway and to fast-track the upgrades that will keep people safe, goods moving, and communities connected.”
Indigenous partnership and governance
Ottawa says the MPO will embed partnership with Indigenous Peoples—including a new Indigenous Advisory Council and an expanded Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program (now $10B)—to support equity participation and long-term benefits. Northern Ontario readers will note Minister Patty Hajdu (FedNor) highlighting job creation and results for workers as part of today’s rollout.
Key numbers at a glance
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Review timeline: Up to 2 years for national-interest projects
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Initial projects: 5 (LNG, SMR, container terminal, two copper projects)
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Indicative impact: >C$60B in investment; “thousands” of jobs
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Future concepts: Critical minerals (incl. Ring of Fire), offshore wind, CCUS, Arctic corridor, ALTO HSR
What to watch next
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MPO recommendations on closing remaining permits/financing gaps for the five fast-track files.
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How Highway 11/17 fits into a national corridor strategy under the Building Canada Act and “One Canadian Economy” agenda.
