Advancing nation building projects

Canada must build critical new major projects at speeds not seen in generations. This includes the infrastructure to diversify our trading relationships and to become an energy superpower in both clean and conventional energies.

The Major Projects Office provides a single point of contact, and leadership for projects of national significance, working in partnership with federal departments, provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples and private-sector participants.

How it works

Submitting a project

Projects are brought forward to the Office in a number of ways, including by:

• Proponents;
• Indigenous groups as proponents of projects;
• Industry associations presenting projects on behalf of proponents;
• Premiers, through the First Ministers’ Meetings or other fora;
• Federal departments and Ministers.

Evaluating projects

The Major Projects Office works with provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, and industry to identify and evaluate projects that would offer the greatest benefits for Canadians.

We provide advice on whether a project is of national significance based on the five factors outlined in the Building Canada Act, including the extent to which the project can:

• Strengthen Canada’s autonomy, resilience and security;
• Provide economic or other benefits to Canada;
• Have a high likelihood of successful execution;
• Advance the interests of Indigenous Peoples; and
• Contribute to clean growth and to Canada’s objectives with respect to climate change.

Projects determined to be of national significance are then put forward to the Prime Minister for final decision on whether to refer the project to the MPO and advance to the next stage based on advice from the Minister of One Canadian Economy and the Build Canada Committee.

The MPO is also working to transform the regulatory processes to ensure better efficiency, and eventually so that all major nation-building projects are reviewed within two years, from start to finish. Proponents of other projects, that don’t end up being referred to the MPO, will therefore also benefit from regulatory streamlining and financial coordination as they move through other departments more efficiently.

Supporting projects referred to the Office

Once a project is referred, we get to work. In helping proponents with their projects, we focus on key actions to fast-track decisions and ensure projects remain competitive from development to operation. This includes resolving policy or regulatory challenges, structuring financing, or reducing risks for projects.

After assessment, the Office may determine that a project meets all the criteria and qualifies for designation under the Building Canada Act. In such cases, we will use a process to streamline reviews and approvals and simplify the federal decision-making process for designated projects. Learn more about projects designated under the Building Canada Act.

While not all projects referred to the Office will be designated under the Building Canada Act, it remains one of the tools we may recommend for a project that would benefit from regulatory streamlining.

Other tools could include multi-departmental coordination, or leveraging financial expertise to secure final investments decisions. Our goal is to identify the best course of action to advance a project quickly so that proponents can make smart investment decisions.

Our work is guided by an Indigenous Advisory Council, which provides expert advice on policy, operational practices, and process improvements related to the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives and interests in major projects.

Types of projects

The Major Projects Office reviews projects that are deemed to be of national importance and significance, as well as other transformative strategies. Projects being referred to the MPO are the kind of projects Canada needs to connect our economy, diversify our industries and trade opportunities, and create high-paying careers while protecting the environment and upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples.