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ARTICLE · 11 SEPTEMBER 2025

A New Blueprint For Nation-Building Projects: Canada's Major Projects Office Takes Shape

McMillan LLP
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On August 29, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney launched the Major Projects Office (MPO) under the federal Building Canada Act (Act).

CanadaGovernment, Public Sector
Catherine Doyle
Catherine Doyle
Sharon G.K. Singh
Sharon G.K. Singh
Melissa Stoesser Young
Melissa Stoesser Young
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Background

On August 29, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney launched the Major Projects Office (MPO) under the federal Building Canada Act (Act).

Readers will recall that the Act was introduced as part of Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act, which received Royal Assent on June 26.

Significantly, the Act empowers the Minister to initiate a process to add major projects in the national interest of Canada to Schedule 1 to the Act, triggering the issuance of a single authorizing document that replaces most existing federal permits and consolidates conditions. The Act includes a 5-year sunset clause, meaning designations must be made by mid-2030. For more background on the Act please see our bulletin here.

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The foregoing provides only an overview and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are cautioned against making any decisions based on this material alone. Rather, specific legal advice should be obtained.

© McMillan LLP 2025

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