Federal government announces new office and faster reviews for energy and resource projects
Minister Tim Hodgson outlined the federal government’s plans for streamlining approvals of energy and resource projects at an address to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce on May 23, 2025. Hodgson announced the creation of a Major Federal Projects Office, aimed at centralizing permits and approvals for large-scale infrastructure initiatives, with a stated goal of completing decisions within two years.
Hodgson framed these changes as a response to recent trade actions by the United States, including new tariffs on Canadian exports such as energy, lumber, automobiles, and minerals. The minister said these developments have created economic challenges for Canadian workers in sectors including energy, mining, and forestry.
In his remarks, as published by Natural Resources Canada, Hodgson stated that projects designated as “Projects of National Interest” would be fast-tracked through the new permitting process. He said the government intends to reduce what he described as five-year review periods to decisions within two years for all such projects.
Hodgson addressed the impact of U.S. tariffs and trade volatility, saying the government’s approach will include updating infrastructure, diversifying international markets for Canadian goods, and reducing dependence on the U.S. market. The minister identified priority sectors for these measures, including oil and gas, hydrogen, geothermal energy, advanced biofuels, renewables, nuclear energy, electricity, critical minerals, and forestry.
The speech also included plans for investments in carbon capture, methane reduction, and other technologies in the energy sector. Hodgson said the federal government will work with provincial governments, industry, and Indigenous partners on major projects, such as the Pathways Project and expanding electricity transmission across regions.
Regarding the mining sector, Hodgson specified minerals such as lithium, copper, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and uranium as priorities. He said there would be a focus on processing and refining these resources within Canada, and on improving transport links via the First and Last Mile Fund.
For the forestry sector, Hodgson referenced the ongoing duties on Canadian lumber exports to the United States and stated that the government aims to encourage greater domestic use of wood products. He also said work will continue on harmonizing carbon markets across provinces and on involving Indigenous communities in project development.
No specific new funding amounts or additional project announcements were included in Hodgson’s address beyond ongoing projects already mentioned. The speech concluded with the minister urging further collaboration among governments, industry, Indigenous groups, and others involved in Canada’s resource industries.