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ARTICLE · 14 SEPTEMBER 2026

Building Momentum: Canada Advances Major Projects Under The Building Canada Act

McMillan LLP
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The federal government has published notices proposing to add the Mackenzie Valley Highway and Roberts Bank Terminal 2 to Schedule 1 of the Building Canada Act as projects of national interest. These potential listings, following a similar notice for the West Coast Oil Pipeline, provide the first practical indications of how the government may use the Act to advance major infrastructure projects through streamlined federal approvals while maintaining Indigenous consultation and environmental assessment requ

CanadaGovernment, Public Sector
Catherine Doyle
Catherine Doyle
Sharon G.K. Singh
Sharon G.K. Singh
Whitney Igidi
Whitney Igidi
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Background

The federal government has taken another significant step toward operationalizing the Building Canada Act (the “Act”). On August 29, 2026, notices were published in the Canada Gazette advising that the Governor in Council is considering adding the Mackenzie Valley Highway and Roberts Bank Terminal 2 to Schedule 1 of the Act as projects of national interest.

The notices commence the statutory 30-day notice period required before a project may be listed. They do not constitute a decision to list either project. Interested parties may submit comments on the proposed listings until October 1, 2026. The notices follow the August 1, 2026 publication of a similar notice for the proposed West Coast Oil Pipeline.

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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.

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