Calgary will house the new headquarters of Canada’s Major Projects Office (MPO), the hub of the country’s nation-building plans under the new Liberal government.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office on Friday, and a news release said that this location will serve as a single point of contact to get these national projects built faster. It will do so by helping streamline regulatory approvals and coordinate potential financing.
The MPO will help identify projects that fall under the government’s Building Canada Act, and will find and attract domestic and global capital to the projects, according to the Prime Minister’s release.
“Canada has always been a nation of builders, from the St. Lawrence Seaway to Expo 67. At this hinge moment in our history, Canada must draw on this legacy and act decisively to transform our economy from reliance to resilience,” PM Carney said in the news release.
“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 and build Canada strong. I am thrilled that Dawn Farrell, one of Canada’s most experienced executives, is stepping up to help lead this vital priority.”
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said Friday, via news release, that the announcement was a strong signal that the federal government believes in Calgary and area, and the role it plays in building Canada’s future.
“By locating the MPO here, and by appointing Dawn Farrell — a true Calgarian with decades of proven leadership — as Chief Executive Officer, Ottawa has shown bullish confidence in our city and in the transformative projects we are championing,” she said.
“The Prairie Economic Gateway is one such project. One of the most viable and critical opportunities for Canada’s long-term prosperity and competitiveness.”
Mayor Gondek has been pushing for the federal government to include the Prairie Economic Gateway as one of the nation-building projects considered for funding.
As noted, Dawn Farrell, who has served as President, CEO and Board Chair of the Trans Mountain Corporation and President and CEO of TransAlta Corporation and senior executive at BC Hydro will be the CEO of the Major Projects Office.
Calgary Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Deborah Yedlin said Farrell was the right person at the right time for the MPO.
“Dawn is known for her ability to build relationships – in the private and public sectors and with Indigenous communities. Her appointment reflects the federal government’s commitment to bring proven leadership and experience to projects that are central to Canada’s economic future,” Yedlin said in a prepared statement.
“Furthermore, the decision to headquarter the MPO in Calgary signals the federal government’s recognition of Alberta’s pivotal role in growing the national economy. It reflects an understanding of the province’s competitive advantage and investment potential in its energy resources – including oil, natural gas-supporting growth in LNG and petrochemical projects, critical minerals and agriculture.”
Yedlin said she looked forward to the first tranche of nation-building projects in the coming weeks.
Other MPO offices will be located across Canada.
