Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer
Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Columbia Premier David Eby have signed an agreement to accelerate major energy, mining and transportation projects across the province, including liquefied natural gas facilities, electricity transmission infrastructure and trade corridors backed by billions of dollars in federal funding.
The Canada-British Columbia Cooperative Prosperity Agreement is aimed at speeding permitting, financing and construction of projects that federal and provincial officials say will strengthen Canada’s economy, expand exports and improve energy security.
Support for four liquefied natural gas projects is included – LNG Canada Phase 2, Ksi Lisims LNG, Cedar LNG and Woodfibre LNG. Carney said the federal government will work with project proponents, First Nations and local communities to accelerate approvals and construction.
Also, $500 million will be used to expand the Red Chris Mine in northwestern British Columbia, work expected to increase Canada’s annual copper production by more than 15 per cent while supporting growing demand for critical minerals used in clean energy technologies and manufacturing.
Ottawa also announced $3.9 billion toward the first two phases of the North Coast Transmission Line, a project designed to deliver electricity to communities and industrial developments across northern British Columbia.
The transmission line has the potential to generate $10 billion in economic activity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to three million tonnes annually. The project could also support future electrical connections with Yukon and Alberta.
The agreement includes major investments in trade infrastructure, including upgrades to the Port of Vancouver’s Roberts Bank trade corridor. Officials said the project could unlock more than $100 billion in new trade capacity and add about $3 billion annually to Canada’s economy.
Carney also committed up to $3 billion to replace the George Massey Tunnel on Highway 99 with a new eight-lane tunnel, a project aimed at improving freight movement through the Lower Mainland and reducing congestion for commuters and traffic bound for BC Ferries terminals.
The agreement also calls for collaboration with the Port of Prince Rupert and the Port of Stewart to expand Canada’s northern trade corridors, including exports of critical minerals.
Projects will be developed in consultation and partnership with First Nations, with opportunities for Indigenous ownership and economic participation.
“Today’s historic agreement creates the conditions to transform the B.C. and Canadian economies to become more resilient, sustainable, and independent,” Carney said in a statement.
“This agreement is about building B.C.’s future, not just for this year, but for generations to come,” Eby said.
The agreement is part of broader federal and provincial efforts to accelerate infrastructure projects intended to boost Canada’s economic growth and expand access to international markets.
