Canadian prime minister Mark Carney on Monday said his government will move quickly to advance major national infrastructure projects as a way to strengthen Canada’s economy in response to new US tariffs.
Following a meeting with provincial and territorial leaders, his first since winning the federal election in April, Carney announced a plan to fast-track approval of “nation-building” projects such as pipelines, nuclear reactors, and trade corridors within two years.
The goal, he said, is to build critical infrastructure that reduces Canada's dependence on foreign markets and helps the country become “the strongest economy in the G7.”
"This meeting demonstrated how we can give ourselves far more than any foreign government can take away," Carney told reporters, referring to tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on Canadian steel, aluminum, and auto exports.
The US is set to double those tariffs to 50 percent this week. Carney called the measures “unjustified and unlawful,” and said Canadian trade minister Dominic LeBlanc would travel to Washington Monday night to resume discussions with US officials.
In the meantime, Carney said the government would prioritize projects that are clean, sustainable, and supported by Indigenous communities. Proposals may come from provinces or the private sector but must demonstrate clear economic benefits and a high likelihood of completion. Eligible projects include highways, railways, ports, airports, pipelines, clean energy developments, and Arctic infrastructure.
Carney emphasised on another priority of building infrastructure in Canada’s Arctic region, where global powers like China, Russia, and the US are competing for influence.
The premiers, including Alberta's Danielle Smith, a vocal critic of former prime minister Justin Trudeau , appeared united following the meeting. But disagreements may still arise over more divisive projects, such as oil and gas pipelines.
First nations leaders have also voiced concerns, warning that Carney’s proposal could sideline Indigenous land and water rights. They have requested more clarity on how they will be included in the planning and approval process.
Following a meeting with provincial and territorial leaders, his first since winning the federal election in April, Carney announced a plan to fast-track approval of “nation-building” projects such as pipelines, nuclear reactors, and trade corridors within two years.
The goal, he said, is to build critical infrastructure that reduces Canada's dependence on foreign markets and helps the country become “the strongest economy in the G7.”
"This meeting demonstrated how we can give ourselves far more than any foreign government can take away," Carney told reporters, referring to tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on Canadian steel, aluminum, and auto exports.
The US is set to double those tariffs to 50 percent this week. Carney called the measures “unjustified and unlawful,” and said Canadian trade minister Dominic LeBlanc would travel to Washington Monday night to resume discussions with US officials.
In the meantime, Carney said the government would prioritize projects that are clean, sustainable, and supported by Indigenous communities. Proposals may come from provinces or the private sector but must demonstrate clear economic benefits and a high likelihood of completion. Eligible projects include highways, railways, ports, airports, pipelines, clean energy developments, and Arctic infrastructure.
Carney emphasised on another priority of building infrastructure in Canada’s Arctic region, where global powers like China, Russia, and the US are competing for influence.
The premiers, including Alberta's Danielle Smith, a vocal critic of former prime minister Justin Trudeau , appeared united following the meeting. But disagreements may still arise over more divisive projects, such as oil and gas pipelines.
First nations leaders have also voiced concerns, warning that Carney’s proposal could sideline Indigenous land and water rights. They have requested more clarity on how they will be included in the planning and approval process.
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