In a rousing address to Liberal party supporters in April, newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney called on Canadians to embrace a new era of nation-building. “Build, baby, build!” he proclaimed, summarising a plan designed to revitalise the Canadian economy amid global uncertainty and ongoing trade tensions with the United States.
Carney’s government has already set its plans in motion. Central to this effort is the newly established Major Projects Office, tasked with spearheading construction of ports, highways, mines, and potentially a new oil pipeline, a move stirring debate among environmental groups. The office, which is expected to announce its priorities imminently, was enabled by cross-party legislation fast-tracking “nation-building projects.”
“We are moving at a speed not seen in generations,” Carney said, stressing the urgency required as international pressures reshape global trade dynamics. While threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump have eased, ongoing tariffs on autos, steel, and aluminium continue to impact Canada’s key industries. August unemployment climbed to 7.1 percent, the highest outside of the pandemic era, highlighting the economic strains.
Carney has long argued that Canada must reduce its dependence on U.S. trade. His strategy includes revitalising domestic commerce while seeking new markets in Europe and Asia. During a recent visit to Germany, he announced plans to unleash $500 billion in infrastructure investments spanning energy, ports, and other sectors.
Jay Khosla, energy expert at the Public Policy Forum, noted, “We know our economy is in peril… Trump’s policies forced Canada to rethink its position. The momentum to build would not have been possible without these challenges.”
Canada, the world’s fourth-largest oil exporter with the third-largest crude reserves, has historically relied on U.S. markets. Carney’s administration is shifting focus, supporting exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe. Energy Minister Tim Hodgson emphasised growing European demand: “What we heard loud and clear from German LNG buyers is that they want our products.”
However, Carney’s pro-energy stance has sparked criticism. Environmental organisations like Greenpeace warn of “climate-wrecking infrastructure,” while Indigenous leaders emphasise the need for careful stewardship of land and resources. Cindy Woodhouse, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, cautioned, “Let’s take the time and do things properly. We’ve seen Trump at our border; let’s not repeat mistakes.”
As Canada navigates this bold new path, Carney’s vision is clear: a reimagined economy, less reliant on a single neighbor, powered by strategic infrastructure, and positioned to become a global energy leader. Whether his ambitious plans will balance growth with environmental and social responsibility remains a key question for the months ahead.