Fast-tracking without foresight: Canada’s risky approach to major projects

Fast-tracking without foresight: Canada’s risky approach to major projects

Over the summer, the Canadian government announced that it’s setting up a Major Projects Office to identify and fast-track projects deemed to be in the national interest. The projects under consideration are spread across Canada and focus on mining, power generation and port expansions. But each update to the list throws a spotlight on a persistent gap in Canada’s planning processes. The federal government has signalled it wants to see these pro…

Canada - Thoughtful Journalism About Energy's Future

This article was published by The Conversation on Dec. 11, 2025. By Justina C. Ray and Dave Poulton Over the summer, the Canadian government announced that it’s setting up a Major Projects Office to identify and fast-track projects deemed to be in the national interest. The projects under consideration are spread across Canada and focus on mining, power generation and port expansions. But each update to the list throws a spotlight on a persisten…