A planned liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal off the coast of British Columbia, a proposed high-speed railway connecting Edmonton and Calgary, and a potential pipeline running from Alberta to the Pacific Ocean are among 167 investment opportunities that Prime Minister Mark Carney will present at an upcoming investment summit in Toronto. The details of these projects are outlined in a 66-page “prospectus” obtained by CBC News, offering the most comprehensive insight into the investment possibilities that Ottawa and Canadian business leaders aim to promote at the summit.
Scheduled for September 14 and 15, the event, organized by the prime minister in collaboration with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Public Sector Pension Investment Board, aims to attract significant international investors and Canadian business figures to secure around $1 trillion in investments. As reported earlier by CBC News, invitations have been extended to major global investment firms and sovereign wealth funds to bolster capital inflow amidst trade uncertainties and geopolitical challenges.
The projects are categorized into eight investment sectors, including conventional energy, clean energy, mining and metals, marine and port infrastructure, power and utilities, digital technology, advanced manufacturing, and transportation. Each project pitch provides details on the current development stage, required capital expenditure, and the type of investment needed for successful implementation.
Noteworthy projects highlighted in the prospectus include a $57 billion US expansion of the Port of Churchill, a $44 billion investment in Nova Scotia’s Wind West offshore wind project, a proposed $35 billion West Coast oil pipeline from Alberta to British Columbia, and the $28.5 billion Ksi Lisims LNG terminal project.
Additionally, the document features plans for various projects such as a float glass manufacturing facility in Manitoba, increased manufacturing capacity for defense-related night-vision technology and satellite technology for Earth observation, alongside an array of infrastructure initiatives. Notably absent from the list are the Alto high-speed rail project between Toronto and Quebec City, facing opposition due to land expropriation concerns, and any discussions on airport privatization that the government has been contemplating.
Some projects are closer to realization than others, with the Ksi Lisims project being labeled as “fully permitted and shovel ready,” while a graphite project in Saskatchewan is still in the early stages of economic and environmental assessment.
Furthermore, the prospectus outlines a $57 billion US expansion plan for the Port of Churchill, aiming to transform it into a year-round trade gateway with enhanced LNG export infrastructure and rail upgrades.
Moreover, the document details a $10.9 billion initiative for a high-speed rail line linking Calgary and Edmonton, a $35 billion oil pipeline connecting Alberta to a deepwater export terminal in southern British Columbia, and a $2.1 billion US proposal for the Prairie Connector pipeline expansion to transport Canadian crude to US refining markets.
In the clean energy sector, proposals include nuclear power generation in New Brunswick, carbon capture in Saskatchewan, and wind power and green hydrogen projects in Newfoundland and Labrador, emphasizing Canada’s commitment to sustainable and reliable energy systems.
Additionally, the document positions Canada as a leader in artificial intelligence, offering investment opportunities in data centers and quantum computing projects. Notably, the prospectus showcases Toronto-based Xanadu Quantum Technologies, a company specializing in light-powered quantum computers.
Overall, the investment summit aims to attract substantial capital infusion into diverse sectors, showcasing Canada’s potential for economic growth and innovation.
