Projects referred to the MPO

This project will serve as an anchor of Canada’s global leadership in clean industrial materials. Located in the world’s second-largest nickel reserve, the Crawford Project will produce high-quality, low-carbon nickel essential for batteries and green steel.

This site has the second-largest nickel reserve in the world and is expected to operate for over 40 years. The project’s carbon emissions are estimated to be nearly 90% lower than the global average and the project has the potential to have a net-negative carbon footprint, representing a model for the future of responsible mining. The project will attract $5 billion in investment and create thousands of good-paying careers, securing Canada’s place at the forefront of the clean economy.

Agreements are signed with the Mattagami, Matachewan, and Flying Post First Nations for early business and employment opportunities which includes commitments for negotiations on contracting opportunities. Also, Taykwa Tagamou Nation has partnered with Canada Nickel to invest $20 million in the Crawford Project. This investment is in the form of convertible notes, which, if exercised, will give Taykwa Tagamou Nation a meaningful equity stake in the project.

Canada Nickel is also proposing, through its NetZero Metals wholly-owned subsidiary, to develop a nickel refinery for the stainless steel and electric vehicle markets, and a stainless steel and alloy production facility.

This project will expand the Port of Montreal’s container capacity by approximately 60%, to give Canada the trading infrastructure it needs to keep goods moving, meet growing demand, and diversify trade routes. It will deploy AI capabilities to strengthen supply chains, create thousands of jobs, and generate lasting economic benefits across Quebec and Canada.

Latest updates

On September 29, 2025, the Major Projects Office, the Canada Infrastructure Bank, and the Montreal Port Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the common goal of advancing the Contrecoeur Terminal Expansion. The MOU provides that the parties will work together to finance the project and ensure permitting and regulatory requirements are met on schedule.

Moreover, on October 9, 2025, the Port of Montreal began preparatory work for the expansion and awarded the contract for in-water works of the future container terminal to the CTCGP consortium (Contrecœur Terminal Constructors Grand Project), composed of Pomerleau and Aecon. The Montreal Port Authority has also obtained a permit from Fisheries and Oceans Canada authorizing the implementation of the compensation plan for copper redhorse feeding grounds. The plan was developed in accordance with the Statement of Decision and in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Quebec’s Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and First Nations.

This project will make Canada the first G7 country to have an operational small modular reactor (SMR). Once complete, Darlington’s first of four planned SMR units would provide reliable, affordable, clean power to 300,000 homes, while supporting 200 high-paying jobs – in addition to 1,600 jobs during construction. The project has the potential to position Canada as a global leader in SMR technology for use across the country and for export as early as 2030.

Latest updates

Since September, Canada Growth Fund (CGF) and Building Ontario Fund (BOF) have announced an up to $3 billion equity commitment to finance the Darlington New Nuclear Project: up to $2 billion from CGF and up to $1 billion from the BOF. The projects will be majority owned and operated by Ontario Power Generation, but this investment will de-risk the construction and operation of these first-of-a-kind SMRs with unique and innovative financial arrangements to temporarily share certain risks that limit private sector interest today. This investment will pave the way to spur private sector and Indigenous investment in the Darlington New Nuclear Project over time.

Budget 2025 announced the Government of Canada’s intention to legislate the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit, which is a refundable credit equal to 15% of the capital cost of eligible investments in equipment related to low-emitting electricity generation – like nuclear equipment.

The Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydro Project (ᐃᖃᓗᐃᑦᓄᑭᒃᓴᐅᑏᑦᓴᓇᔭᐅᔪᖅ) a 15-30 megawatt conventional hydroelectric facility located on the Kuugaluk river, 60 kilometres outside of Iqaluit, Nunavut. This project is led by Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation, Nunavut’s first 100% Inuit-owned renewable energy developer. The Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydro Project would displace the City of Iqaluit’s current use of diesel-generated electricity with affordable, reliable and emissions-free power.

Iqaluit currently relies on imported diesel fuel for electricity generation, equivalent to 15 million litres annually, producing an estimated 130,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. The project will help to stabilize Iqaluit electricity rates that have increased more than 22% in the last five years. The Project supports Indigenous-led energy transition, economic reconciliation, advances Inuit self-determination, and supports Inuit-led priorities. Regular engagement with Rights-holders and impacted groups continues to occur at every project decision.

Ksi Lisims, a proposed floating natural gas liquefaction and export facility located on the north coast of British Columbia, within the modern treaty territory of the Nisg̱a’a Nation, is being referred to the Major ProjectsOffice. The Project is a partnership between the Nisg̱a’a Nation, Western LNG, and Rockies LNG. Designed to be one of the world’s lowest-emission LNG facilities, Ksi Lisims LNG aims to foster sustainable economic development and lasting prosperity in Canada’s northwest.

Ksi Lisims LNG will become Canada’s second-largest LNG facility and one of the world’s lowest-emission LNG operations once fully electrified, with emissions 94% below the global average. The project is expected to attract nearly $30 billion in investment, create thousands of skilled careers, and strengthen Canada’s position as a global LNG exporter.

On September 15, 2025, the LNG Facility received federal and provincial environmental assessment approvals, in line with the goal of achieving “one-project, one-review.” The project referral also includes the 800-kilometre Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project to supply feed gas for liquefaction, and a 95-kilometre electrical transmission line to supply electricity to the facility. Ksi Lisims LNG proposes to construct and operate up to two floating liquid natural gas structures which together would export up to 22.4 billion cubic metres per year of natural gas.

This project would double LNG Canada’s production of liquefied natural gas, making it the second largest facility of its kind in the world. It is expected to attract $33B in private-sector capital to Canada, contribute to our GDP growth, and support jobs and economic growth in local communities. It will deliver low-carbon intensity Canadian energy to global markets and help diversify Canada’s trading partners – including those with increasing energy demands in Asia and Europe. The Major Projects Office will ensure that the final work on LNG Canada will create the pathway for other proponents of LNG projects that are strategic to the nation.

Latest updates

Budget 2025 proposes major measures to enhance the competitiveness Canadian LNG projects, including LNG Canada Phase 2. This includes amendments to the Canadian Energy Regulator Act to extend the maximum length of LNG export licences from 40 to 50 years, which will provide greater certainty for proponents on their ability to receive returns of their investments for long term.

Budget 2025 proposes reinstating accelerated capital cost allowances (CCAs) for LNG equipment for low-carbon LNG facilities, to incentivise the development of best-in-class emissions intensity LNG. Specifically, facilities that are in the top 25% of emissions performance would be eligible for accelerated CCAs rates of 30% for liquefaction equipment and 10% for associated buildings; and those in the top 10% of emissions performance would be eligible for accelerated CCAs of 50% for liquefaction equipment and 10% for associated buildings used in LNG facilities.

This project in one of Canada’s richest mineral belts will supply copper and zinc to strengthen Canada’s position as a global supplier of critical minerals for clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and modern infrastructure. It will create hundreds of jobs, boost local economies, and will be one of the lowest-emission operations of its kind.

Latest updates

On October 22, Foran reported that project completion was at approximately 64% and that the project remains on schedule for commercial production in mid-2026 and continues to track to budget.

Budget 2025 proposes to expand eligibility under the 30% Clean Technology Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit to include qualifying equipment used in eligible polymetallic mining projects. These changes would be retroactively available as of January 1, 2024.

This project will tie the Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor together, delivering low-cost, clean electricity to local communities along the West Coast. The project would twin with existing transmission lines from Prince George to Terrace, and north up to Bob Quinn substation. By twinning major transmission lines, the NCTL will enable transformative new industrial projects – including the Ksi Lisims LNG facility and critical minerals developments in the Golden Triangle. The added benefit of NCTL would be bolstering telecommunications and electricity access for remote communities in northwestern B.C. while enabling clean growth for critical minerals and export-oriented LNG projects.

According to estimates from B.C., once operational, this project will create thousands of direct full-time careers, generate millions in annual public revenues, and anchor a clean-energy industrial corridor for generations to come. Additionally, it will help to prevent two to three million tonnes of carbon emissions annually, supporting Canada’s climate goals while powering economic growth.

Linked to this vision, the Yukon–B.C. Grid Connect Project will extend the benefits even further north – connecting the Yukon’s isolated electrical grid to the Canadian grid through B.C., increasing the Yukon’s energy security and providing clean power to communities in Canada’s Northwest corridor.

Tungsten has both civilian and defence applications, such as cutting tools, steel, military munitions, and protective equipment. Global tungsten markets are highly concentrated, and this project has the potential to make Canada a secure supplier for domestic and allied industries.

Canada’s last tungsten mine closed in 2015, and Sisson would revitalise Canada’s production of tungsten, as well as produce molybdenum, which makes steel and superalloys stronger, harder, and more corrosion resistant.

Nouveau Monde Graphite is developing an open pit graphite mine that will be integrated with a planned Battery Material Plant to produce spherical graphite for batteries and other advanced manufacturing applications. Operations will bolster the emerging battery hub in Bécancour, Québec, while potentially unlocking future graphite opportunities across Canada. It will create over one thousand new careers, and draw $1.8 billion in investment.

Graphite is an essential component of defence applications and electric vehicle and energy storage system batteries, and a key material for decarbonising the transportation sector. The project, powered by Québec's affordable clean hydropower, will also help diversify global graphite supplies away from carbon-intensive supply chains. Nouveau Monde also plans to eventually transition to a zero-emission fleet at the mine site.

This builds on investments – including more than $35 million from the Canada Growth Fund, a letter of interest from the Canada Infrastructure Bank and a letter of interest for up to US$430 million from Export Development Canada – and additional contributions from Japanese companies Panasonic Energy and Mitsui & Co., to support the company in its journey to create the largest fully-integrated natural graphite process from mining to industrial use products.

This major expansion project will extend the lifespan of the mine by over a decade, increase Canada’s annual copper production by over 15%, employ about 1,500 workers during operations, with a peak of approximately 1,800 workers during construction, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 70% when operational. Working in close collaboration with the Tahltan Nation, it is an important step in reconciliation and further developing the potential of Northern British Columbia and will strengthen Canada’s role as a reliable supplier of copper and other resources essential for global manufacturing and clean energy technologies. This mine is part of the proposed Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor. This corridor is being moved to the MPO for consideration, as it presents opportunities for critical minerals development, clean power transmission, Indigenous project leadership, and a potential new conservation area the size of Greece.

Latest updates

Budget 2025 announced that the government will introduce legislation to expand eligibility for the 30% Clean Technology Manufacturing investment tax credit to include polymetallic mining activities, available retroactively as of January 1, 2024.

Description

The Taltson Hydro Expansion Project is a transformative clean energy initiative that will double the Northwest Territories’ hydro capacity. It will build an additional 60 megawatt hydro facility, and connect the North and South Slave Lake electrical grids for the first time, through a 320-kilometre transmission line, including an underwater section under the lake. This would also set the stage for a future project to connect the Northwest Territories grid to the rest of Canada.

The project is being advanced collaboratively by NWT Métis Nation (representing the Fort Resolution Métis Council, Hay River Métis Government Council and the Fort Smith Métis Council), Akaitcho Dene First Nations (representing Łutsel K’e Dene First Nation, Denınu Kų ́ ́ę́ First Nation, and Yellowknives Dene First Nation), and Salt River First Nation.

This project, in conjunction with other major Northern Resilience Projects (including the Mackenzie Valley Highway, Grays Bay Road and Port, and the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor (AESC), will create significant opportunities for new economic growth and enhance energy sovereignty by increasing access to clean and reliable power. This power will be available for mining and other new industrial developments, and to support Canada’s sovereignty and increased military presence in the North.

Benefits

• This unified hydro grid will support clean power for communities, industrial development, and new resource projects across a region rich in minerals such as copper, zinc, and gold.
• Opportunities will also be explored to leverage power from the facility to support the expanded NORAD Forward Operating Location in Yellowknife.
• Construction and operation will support Indigenous partnerships, employment, and business opportunities.
• Reduces reliance on backup diesel systems and enhances energy security in the region.

Latest updates

The MPO will work with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and affected Indigenous communities to understand the legacy impacts of the original Taltson Dam.

The federal government will look at options for Indigenous economic participation in the Expansion Project. The MPO will also collaborate with the Government of the Northwest Territories to assess the project’s financial and business case, and support and streamline relevant regulatory processes, while recognizing the unique treaty-based impact assessment framework in the Northwest Territories.

The aim of streamlining progress will be to ensure the Taltson Expansion begins producing power within 10 years.

Quick facts

• Will link 11 communities and serve over 70% of the NWT’s population
• 60 megawatt hydro expansion, and 320 km transmission line
• Expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 240,000 tonnes annually, or 18% of the territory’s annual emissions

Description

The Mackenzie Valley Highway will create a new all-season economic corridor up the Mackenzie Valley, while providing year-round connectivity to three currently isolated communities, and improving access to two additional communities by way of shorter construction periods for winter roads. The road will increase affordability and create new opportunities for inter-territorial and inter-provincial trade, economic development, community resupply, emergency response, and resource access. It also has the potential to enhance connectivity and reduce travel time between National Defence locations and facilities.

The proposed ~800 km all-season gravel road would pass through the traditional territories of the Dehcho First Nations, the Sahtu Dene Council, and the Gwich’in Tribal Council, and will connect Wrigley to Tulita and Norman Wells in Phase 1 (~320 km), while Phase 2 will proceed north to Inuvik. Its route will pass near the communities of Tulita, Norman Wells and Fort Good Hope, all of which are currently only accessible by aircraft, barge and winter road.

This project, in conjunction with other major Northern Resilience Projects (such as the Mackenzie Valley Highway, Grays Bay Road and Port, and the Taltson Hydro Expansion, will create significant opportunities for economic growth and resource development, improve life in isolated communities, enhance Canada’s sovereignty, and support an expanded military presence in the North.

Benefits

• Creates new opportunities for inter-territorial and inter-provincial trade, economic development, emergency response, and resource access.
• Improves inter-community mobility, accessibility, emergency response, and stabilization of the cost of living.
• Provides year-round access to three isolated communities: Tulita, Norman Wells, and Fort Good Hope.
• Enhances Arctic sovereignty and security through improved safety, reliability, and resilience of the Northwest Territories and Yukon transportation systems in the face of climate change and extreme weather.
• Generates new tourism potential, creating a scenic loop through the Yukon with the Dempster Highway.
• Supports mineral and resource exploration activity in the Dehcho, Sahtu and Beaufort Delta regions.
• Potential to enhance connectivity between National Defence locations and facilities in the North.
• Strengthens housing construction capacity, making it less costly to deliver materials and complete projects in northern communities.

Latest updates

The Major Projects Office will work with the Government of the Northwest Territories to support and streamline relevant regulatory processes, assess project funding needs and determine funding solutions, and explore and identify opportunities to accelerate project development and construction timelines in collaboration with co-management boards, stakeholders, and Rights holders - including potentially impacted Indigenous governments and organizations.

Quick facts

• Will create a direct route from Yellowknife to Inuvik, reducing the distance by an estimated 1,200 km and travel time from 38 hours to roughly 23 hours.
• Will generate new tourism potential, creating a scenic loop through the Yukon with the Dempster Highway.
• The proponent is working closely with Indigenous governments and organizations, including through an MOU with the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated.

Description

The Grays Bay Road and Port (GBRP) is a proposed all-season ~230 km road from the Nunavut border to a deepwater port and airfield at Grays Bay on the Arctic Ocean. The deepwater export terminal and airstrip, could have dual-use (civilian-military) potential, subject to further assessment by National Defence.

The Grays Bay Road and Port will be delivered through West Kitikmeot Resources Corporation, a partnership between the Kitikmeot Inuit Association and private investors.

Together with the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor, the project would create critical export links, including connecting Yellowknife and Grays Bay. It would also enable new resource exploration and development in the mineral-rich Slave Geological Province of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

There are ongoing community consultations and Indigenous-led studies in the region, to discuss routing options to minimize impacts to local wildlife and marine ecosystems. The impact assessments, led by co-management boards, provide for broad participation that will help bring forward recommendations in these areas.

This project, in conjunction with other major Northern Resilience Projects (Mackenzie Valley Highway and the Taltson Hydro Expansion), will create significant opportunities for economic growth and support Canada’s security and expanded military presence in the North.

Benefits

• Provides the enabling infrastructure for critical minerals exploration, expanded military presence and northern security.
• Provides road access from Yellowknife to the Port of Grays Bay, increasing supply chain resiliency.
• Establishes a new deepwater port with critical mineral export potential in the Arctic.

Latest updates

• On March 1, 2026, West Kitikmeot Resources Corp. submitted the Impact Statement for the Grays Bay Road and Port Project to the Nunavut Impact Review Board, and the project is currently undergoing an assessment by the Board pursuant to the Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act.

The Major Projects Office will work with proponents to determine funding solutions, identify acceleration options, and support and streamline relevant regulatory processes. This work will be carried out while recognizing the unique treaty-based impact assessment framework and local regulatory environment in Nunavut.

Quick facts

• The Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KIA) has been a proponent developing the GBRP project since 2018.
• Has the potential to unlock critical mineral exploration and development, including copper and zinc.
• Will establish a deepwater port and airfield at Grays Bay, which creates potential dual-use (civilian-military) opportunities.
• Together with the Arctic and Economic Security Corridor, it will establish the first all-season road linking Nunavut to the National Highway System.
• Project has the potential to have significant Inuit equity.

Description

The Arctic Economic and Security Corridor (AESC) is a proposed ~400 km all-season road through the Slave Geological Province to the Nunavut border, where it will connect with the Grays Bay Road.

This project is being led by the Tłı̨chǫ Government and Yellowknives Dene First Nation in partnership with the Government of the Northwest Territories, for the economic prosperity of both nations and surrounding communities.

There are ongoing discussions between the Tłı̨chǫ Government, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and the Government of the Northwest Territories on routing. This includes ongoing community consultations and Indigenous-led studies in the region. The impact assessments, led by co-management boards, provide for broad participation that will help bring forward recommendations to minimize impacts on local wildlife. 

Together with the Grays Bay Road and Port, the AESC will create a new all-season road from Yellowknife to Grays Bay on the Arctic Ocean. These two interconnected projects will create critical export links and enable new resource exploration and development in the mineral-rich Slave Geological Province of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

This project, in conjunction with other major Northern Resilience Projects (Mackenzie Valley Highway and the Taltson Hydro Expansion), will create significant opportunities for economic growth, and support Canada’s security, and expanded military presence in the North.

Benefits

• Supports unlocking opportunities for critical minerals exploration, expanded military presence and northern sovereignty.
• Provides all-season road access from Yellowknife to Grays Bay Port (once connected to Grays Bay Road).
• Provides the enabling infrastructure to advance mineral exploration and future copper, zinc and gold mine development.

Latest updates

The Major Projects Office will work with proponents to determine funding solutions, identify acceleration options, and support and streamline relevant regulatory processes. This work will be carried out while recognizing the unique treaty-based impact assessment framework and local regulatory environment in the Northwest Territories.

Quick facts

• Will unlock exploration and development in the mineral-rich Slave Geological Province, including potential for copper, gold and zinc.
• Will provide valuable export access to mines in the Northwest Territories by connecting Yellowknife to a deepwater port at Grays Bay
• Together with the Grays Bay Road, it will establish the first all-season road linking Nunavut to the National Highway System.
• Will establish a critical transportation corridor to a deepwater port and airfield at Grays Bay, which creates potential for dual-use (civilian-military) opportunities.