OTTAWA — Canada’s oil and gas industry is welcoming the federal government’s latest round of major project submissions after another liquefied natural gas (LNG) development was added to the national priority list.
Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday announced the second tranche of projects being forwarded to the Major Projects Office (MPO) for consideration as initiatives of national interest.
Such a designation could streamline regulatory approvals and potentially allow certain environmental laws — including the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act — to be bypassed or accelerated.
Ksi Lisims LNG Project Added to Priority List
Among the new submissions is the Ksi Lisims LNG project, located on the north coast of British Columbia. Its addition marks the second LNG proposal the Carney government has advanced to the MPO for priority assessment, signalling continued federal support for expanding LNG infrastructure.
Other projects on the updated list include:
- North Coast Transmission Line (B.C.)
- A hydroelectric project in Nunavut
- Nickel, graphite, and tungsten mines in Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick
Industry Applauds Federal Direction
The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) says the expanded list is a positive step for the sector and for Canada’s global competitiveness.
CAPP President Lisa Baiton said the selection of these projects helps move Canada closer to becoming a “global energy superpower,” echoing a goal Prime Minister Carney has emphasized in recent speeches.
The new slate of projects is part of Ottawa’s broader effort to accelerate developments seen as economically and strategically important to the country.