Feds name first 3 infrastructure projects for potential fast-track approvals

The Government of Canada announced it is initiating the process toward potential listing of three major projects – the Mackenzie Valley Highway Project, the Grays Bay Road and Port Project, and the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s (NWMO)’s Deep Geological Repository (DGR) – as projects of national interest under the the Building Canada Act.

In March 2026, the Grays Bay Road and Port project and the Mackenzie Valley Highway project were referred to the MPO and today, the Government is referring the DGR to the MPO as well. Located in northwestern Ontario, near Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace area, the DGR project is a world-recognized best practice solution for safe, long-term storage of all used nuclear fuel from Canada’s existing nuclear reactor fleet, as recognized under the federal government’s new Nuclear Energy Strategy.

“Unlocking Canada’s economic potential requires bold action that clearly demonstrates we are ready to build big in this country again. The initiation of this process marks a major shift in how we accelerate nation-building infrastructure – if listed, federal approvals for nation-building projects like these will secure our long-term energy sovereignty, unlock our abundant natural resources, drive economic growth, advance reconciliation, and help maintain our world-class environmental standards,” said Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

Listing these projects under the Act would streamline and consolidate key federal permits and authorizations, subject to a document outlining the conditions under which the project may proceed. National interest listing of the project would provide confidence that key federal permits and authorizations for the project will be granted, shifting Canada’s regulatory focus from ‘whether’ the project should proceed to ‘how’ it will proceed. In the case of the Mackenzie Valley Highway and the Grays Bay Road and Port projects, this will be contingent on both projects successfully completing treaty-based impact assessment and regulatory processes. 

The support of Indigenous communities for these projects is critical. To determine if these projects are of national interest and should be listed under the Act, consultations will be held with impacted Indigenous rights holders and communities, provinces and territories. Consultations for each project will begin over the coming weeks, with the aim of supporting a listing decision by the Government in relation to the projects in fall 2026.  Canada is committed to upholding its duty to consult with Indigenous Peoples throughout the process. This commitment is guided by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, while recognizing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and Modern Treaties and Self-Government Agreements.

“I appreciate the Government of Canada and the Major Projects Office for recognizing what people in the Mackenzie Valley have known for a long time: this project is important to the North, and it is important to Canada,” said R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories.

According to the federal government, these projects are candidates for listing under the Act for the following reasons:

• By delivering on Canada’s commitment to safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel, NWMO’s DGR project presents the potential to unlock clean nuclear energy projects that strengthen Canada’s autonomy, resilience and security; ensure best-in-class safety and environmental standards; and catalyze new investment and create jobs. The opportunity presented for safety, security, economic growth, and Indigenous partnership aligns with the federal government’s new Nuclear Energy Strategy. The construction and operation of the DGR will generate sustained economic activity – including through Indigenous participation plans; and support the continued safe operation and expansion of Canada’s nuclear power facilities, in line with Canada’s Nuclear Strategy.
• Since their referral to the MPO in March, the Mackenzie Valley Highway and Grays Bay Road and Port projects have advanced as critical infrastructure priorities for Canada and the North. The projects would help connect communities, enhance Arctic security, and unlock significant economic and export potential in the North by creating vital trade and transportation corridors and enabling new natural resource exploration and development, especially for critical minerals. The MPO has assessed that listing these projects under the Act could improve predictability, efficiency, and coordination, and reduce risks of delays or cost increases.

Featured image: (Government of Canada)