Federal Government Set to Announce PONI List: Pipelines, Ports, and Mining in Focus

Canada is planning to fast-track major development projects that are important to the entire country. These are called Projects of National Interest (PONIs). The federal government, under Mark Carney, wants to support these projects through Bill C-5, which speeds up the approval process.

But the big question is: Will these projects help Canada grow and create jobs, or will taxpayers end up paying for failed plans?

This article explains everything in simple terms—what these projects are, who benefits, and which ones have the best chance to succeed.

What Are Projects of National Interest (PONIs)?

PONIs are large-scale projects that can help improve Canada’s economy, job market, and international trade. These include:

• Oil pipelines
• Railways and ports
• Mining zones
• Clean energy initiatives

These projects are meant to be “nation-building,” meaning they help the whole country, not just one province or group.

How Will the Government Choose PONIs?

The federal government has created some rules to decide which projects can be marked as PONIs. To qualify, a project must:

• Improve Canada’s independence, security, and stability
• Support clean energy and climate goals
• Help Indigenous communities
• Have a high chance of success

So, not every project will make it. Only those that tick all these boxes—and are nearly ready to start—will be considered.

Top Projects That Could Be Fast-Tracked

Here are some big projects that experts believe should be at the top of the PONI list:

1. Crude Oil Pipeline to the West Coast (Northern Gateway 2.0)

This proposed pipeline would carry oil from Alberta to Prince Rupert, B.C. It could:

• Increase oil exports
• Bring in higher prices for Canadian oil
• Create thousands of jobs

But there’s a problem: Canadian pipeline companies like Enbridge and TC Energy have lost interest due to past failures like Northern Gateway and Keystone XL. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will need to find a private company willing to invest. Otherwise, the project won’t move forward.

2. Ontario’s Ring of Fire Mining Region

This area is rich in minerals like nickel and lithium, which are important for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Building infrastructure here could:

• Boost Canada’s role in the global EV market
• Create long-term mining jobs
• Support clean energy goals

3. Pathways Alliance Carbon Capture Project

This is a $20 billion clean energy project supported by private investors. It’s ready to go and can help reduce carbon emissions. It could be paired with the West Coast oil pipeline to meet clean growth goals.

What’s Happening in British Columbia (B.C.)?

B.C. has taken matters into its own hands. Through its own Bill 15, it has already fast-tracked 18 large projects, including:

• Cedar LNG
• Highland Valley Copper Mine expansion
• Enbridge’s Aspen Point gas pipeline

These projects have private backers and didn’t need federal subsidies. This approach saves taxpayer money while boosting the economy.

Should B.C. Submit Projects for PONI Status?

Not necessarily. Experts like Heather Exner-Pirot say B.C. is in a good position. It already has:

• Tidewater access for exporting goods
• Private investments in large projects
• No need for federal money or interference

However, one project that may deserve a PONI label is the Roberts Bank Terminal Expansion.

Roberts Bank Terminal Expansion – A True Nation-Building Project

Approved in 2023, this expansion project comes with 370 conditions, but its benefits are huge:

• 132,400 jobs across Canada
• $9.3 billion in wages
• $16.3 billion added to GDP
• $32.7 billion in total economic impact

Despite its value, it’s stuck in a long and complex environmental review process. Giving it PONI status could speed things up.

Past Success: The Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) Project

Let’s look at the TMX project as an example of what a successful pipeline can do:

Metric	Value
Total Cost	$31 Billion
Jobs Created	36,917
Economic Output	$52.8 Billion
Added to GDP	$26 Billion
Wages Paid	$11 Billion
Tax Revenue	$2.9 Billion

This project shows how a single major development can benefit the entire country.

Challenges for the New Pipeline Proposal

To make the new oil pipeline from Alberta to B.C. a reality, the federal government must:

• End the West Coast oil tanker ban
• Remove the oil and gas emissions cap
• Exempt the project from strict environmental laws

Without these changes, no private company will take the risk of building it.

Other Proposals Needing Full Public Funding

Some projects in other parts of Canada, like:

• Grays Bay Road and Port (North)
• Churchill Port (Manitoba)

may look like nation-building efforts, but they need 100% government funding and lack private investors.

This raises a serious concern: Is the government just spending money to win votes in different regions?

Project Name	Location	Benefit Type	Private Investment	Status
Northern Gateway 2.0	Alberta to B.C.	Oil exports, jobs	Needed	No private investor yet
Ring of Fire	Ontario	Mining, clean energy	Partial	Early stage
Pathways Alliance	Alberta	Carbon capture	Yes	Shovel-ready
Roberts Bank Terminal	B.C.	Port expansion, GDP	Yes	Delayed in review
Grays Bay Road/Port	Northern Canada	Trade, access	No	Needs full government funding
Churchill Port	Manitoba	Economic growth	No	Seeking federal support

PONIs Must Focus on Real Impact, Not Politics

Canada’s future depends on making smart choices about which PONIs to support. Projects that:

• Boost exports
• Create long-term jobs
• Attract private money
• Align with climate goals

should be fast-tracked. But if the government chooses projects just to make voters happy, it will waste taxpayer money.

Canada must focus on real nation-building—not regional handouts. And to do that, it needs to work with private investors and remove unnecessary red tape.

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