Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday appointed Dawn Farrell, the former CEO of Trans Mountain Corp, to head Canada’s new Major Projects Office, a Calgary-based agency tasked with fast-tracking approval of major infrastructure projects.
Farrell will serve as CEO of the office designed to streamline regulatory processes for what the government calls “nation-building” projects, with a goal of reducing approval timelines to two years maximum.
“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,” Carney said in a statement.
The appointment puts a veteran energy executive at the helm of an initiative critics say favors the oil and gas sector. Farrell successfully oversaw completion of the $34-billion Trans Mountain pipeline expansion after taking over as CEO in 2022, when the project was massively over budget.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith welcomed the choice, calling Farrell an advisor she holds in “great, great respect.” But Bloc Québécois MP Patrick Bonin criticized the selection of what he called a “pipeline apostle.”
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre questioned the need for another federal office, arguing major projects shouldn’t require “taxpayer-funded subsidies” to move forward.
Farrell brings four decades of energy sector experience, including senior roles at BC Hydro and TransAlta Corp. She transitioned from Trans Mountain CEO to board chair in 2024.
The Major Projects Office stems from legislation passed in June that gives the federal cabinet unprecedented powers to override regulations and environmental reviews for approved projects.
Early priorities could include port expansions in Manitoba and Quebec, Carney indicated. The office will also establish an Indigenous advisory council, with membership to be confirmed next month.
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