OTTAWA — The Canadian government has appointed Dawn Farrell, the former CEO of Trans Mountain Corp., to head a new office aimed at expediting large industrial construction projects. The Major Projects Office will be based in Calgary, as announced by the Prime Minister's Office on Friday. This initiative is part of Prime Minister Mark Carney's strategy to streamline the approval process for significant national projects.

Carney emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating, "We are moving at a speed not seen in generations to build ports, railways, energy grids — the major projects that will unlock Canada’s full economic potential and build Canada strong." The establishment of this office follows the passage of Bill C-5, which creates a framework for fast-tracking projects deemed in the national interest, including infrastructure related to ports, energy, and roads.

However, the new office has drawn criticism from Indigenous and environmental groups. Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, expressed concerns, stating, "The opening of the Major Federal Projects Office under the guise of national interest is nothing short of the government deliberately sidestepping its duty to consult and co-operate with First Nations." He added that the government's messaging feels more like an ultimatum than an invitation to collaborate.

Janelle Lapointe, a senior adviser at the David Suzuki Foundation, criticized the office's focus, saying it prioritizes outdated economic models over future sustainability and Indigenous rights. The decision to locate the office in Calgary, a hub for oil and gas companies, has been viewed as politically strategic. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith welcomed the move, noting her respect for Farrell and her role as an adviser.

Heather Exner-Pirot, an energy expert, remarked that the location sends a strong signal about the importance of the energy sector in Canada’s economy. She stated, "This is obviously a very public acknowledgment that most major projects in this country come from the energy sector."

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce also recognized the office's potential to overhaul the project approval process, while cautioning against a two-track system that could favor certain projects over others. Candace Laing, the chamber's CEO, emphasized the need for a conducive economic environment to attract investment.

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers viewed the announcement positively, highlighting opportunities for developing liquefied natural gas and other projects. CAPP CEO Lisa Baiton noted that Farrell's background makes her well-suited for overseeing complex infrastructure projects.

Political opposition to the new office has emerged, with Conservative leaders criticizing it as an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy. Deputy Conservative Leader Melissa Lantsman referred to the office as "Mostly Photo Ops," while Bloc Québécois MP Patrick Bonin accused the government of favoring the oil industry.

In a related development, the Prime Minister's Office issued a correction to a previous statement regarding the office, softening the language used to describe its purpose. Carney plans to announce investments in port infrastructure within the next two weeks, and the office will establish an Indigenous Advisory Council, with members to be confirmed next month.