On Friday, a draft list of 32 potential major infrastructure projects was released, indicating plans for fast-tracking under the Building Canada Act. While these projects are not yet approved, they represent the first steps the government intends to take to fulfill campaign promises made in May by Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Just a week prior, Carney announced the establishment of the Major Projects Office. This office aims to streamline regulatory approvals and coordinate financing to expedite the construction of nation-building projects. It is important to note that this new office differs from the existing Major Projects Management Office, which focuses on providing project management and accountability for major resource projects.

The success of this initiative is crucial for Canadians across the political spectrum. Large infrastructure projects, particularly in the vital resource sector, have faced significant delays due to excessive red tape and regulatory challenges. These obstacles have led to the cancellation or postponement of many projects, negatively impacting Canadian prosperity. A notable example is the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, which had to be purchased mid-construction by the federal government in 2018 due to regulatory and legal uncertainties that deterred private investment.

Dawn Farrell, the former CEO of Trans Mountain Corporation, has been appointed to lead the new Major Projects Office. Although the Trans Mountain project has faced criticism for budget overruns, Farrell's leadership is seen as a potential turning point for advancing large infrastructure projects that have long been discussed but not executed. Many hope she will bring a renewed focus on delivering these projects.

However, Canadians are urged to approach this plan with caution, given over a decade of unmet expectations. The government has made numerous promises without delivering tangible results. While the creation of the Major Projects Office is a positive step, it raises concerns about the underlying issues within Canada’s regulatory framework. Critics argue that the current system has become so cumbersome that a new layer of bureaucracy is necessary to bypass existing regulations, which could lead to political favoritism and cronyism.

The debate continues over whether the government should determine the viability of projects or if that responsibility should lie with businesses operating within a clear regulatory framework. In British Columbia, Premier David Eby has also taken steps to expedite infrastructure projects. In May, he passed Bill 15, the Infrastructure Projects Act, aimed at speeding up approvals for priority provincial projects, including schools and hospitals. The act also allows for quicker approvals for other projects deemed significant by the province.

As the federal government moves forward with its infrastructure plans, the effectiveness of these initiatives will depend on balancing regulatory efficiency with accountability and transparency.