Ford Critiques Draft Project List

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has voiced his frustration regarding a preliminary list of 32 major projects intended for fast-tracking across Canada. Stated to be insufficient for Ontario's needs, Ford had a direct conversation about the matter with Prime Minister Mark Carney.

What’s Included in the Draft List?

The draft list, revealed by The Globe and Mail, outlines various potential projects, including ports, roads, bridges, mines, and energy initiatives across all provinces and territories. However, only three initiatives are focused solely on Ontario: a nickel mine near Timmins, an access road to the Ring of Fire mining claims, and the proposal to build new small modular reactors at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station.

Ford’s Call for Speedier Developments

During a meeting at his home in Toronto, Ford emphasized the urgency for action on critical infrastructure projects, particularly highlighting the Ring of Fire access road and the Darlington Nuclear project as top priorities. He also reiterated his demand for more pipelines and an ambitious, albeit costly, plan for a tunnel under Highway 401 to alleviate congestion.

Concerns Over the Federal List

Notably, Ford’s proposed Highway 401 tunnel is absent from the federal list, as are plans for a new deep-sea port at James Bay and funding to expand the GO regional transit system. However, the list does propose a contentious pipeline transporting Alberta oil through B.C., which has ignited debate between provinces.

B.C. Minister Questions the Feasibility

Adrian Dix, B.C.'s Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, dismissed the inclusion of the Alberta pipeline as impractical, highlighting the lack of support from First Nations and the absence of a viable plan. He insists the final project list should prioritize initiatives with secured investment and definite timelines.

Political Reactions and Next Steps

The Canadian government has introduced Bill C-5, which allows specific projects to be designated as nationally important, paving the way for expedited approval processes. Nevertheless, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne stated that any project under this bill will undergo a rigorous assessment.

Alberta Energy Minister Brian Jean expressed enthusiasm over the mention of a pipeline in the draft but awaits a more solid commitment from the federal government. Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the draft as a mere 'dream list,' claiming it lacks genuine support and concrete plans for execution.

Indigenous Consultation Concerns

The NDP's Leah Gazan raised alarms about the government's approach to project identification, arguing it undermines constitutional obligations to consult Indigenous peoples. She believes the rush towards approval could hinder the success of future projects.