Canada breaks ground on North Coast Transmission Line to deliver clean power and reduce emissions

PRINCE GEORGE, BC, Sept. 3, 2026 /CNW/ -- In a time of global volatility, Canada is focused on what we can do: building an affordable, competitive, sovereign and sustainable Canadian economy. Central to this mission is our National Electricity Strategy, a blueprint for supplying and controlling our own electricity by doubling our grid by 2050 to meet demand and secure sovereign power supply. Clean Canadian electricity is the clear solution to Canada's energy security, affordability and competitiveness, and we are building ambitious grid infrastructure that will make that vision a reality.

Today, the Government of Canada and its partners took an important step to secure a clean, abundant and affordable electricity grid in British Columbia by breaking ground on Phase 1 of the North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL), an expansion of the electricity transmission line that runs from Prince George to Terrace.

Once complete, the NCTL will:

• More than double the availability of clean, low-cost electricity along Canada's West Coast;
• Unlock transformative industrial projects, including the Ksi Lisims LNG facility and critical minerals developments in the Golden Triangle;
• Create $10 billion in new economic activity and nearly 10,000 jobs; and
• Reduce emissions by up to three million tonnes annually -- the equivalent of taking one million vehicles off the road every year.

Driven by streamlined federal–provincial co-ordination, financial backing under the Canada–British Columbia Co-operative Prosperity Agreement and strong Indigenous partnership, the project has moved rapidly from regulatory approval to active construction. This momentum has been supported by the project's referral to the Major Projects Office in November 2025 as the foundation of the Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor in Northwest British Columbia and the Yukon, a region with extraordinary potential for critical minerals and energy development, new telecommunications and transport infrastructure, and clean power transmission. The Corridor's development will support Indigenous project leadership, make life and industry more affordable in Northwest B.C. and support conservation in the region.

By prioritizing efficient regulatory processes, critical infrastructure and strong partnerships with the province and Indigenous Peoples, Canada is getting shovels in the ground on ambitious projects that make our nation more prosperous and sovereign for all Canadians.

Quotes

"Canadians and our allies are looking for a strong grid, critical minerals, LNG and more -- and none of that is possible without affordable power. The North Coast Transmission Line will deliver the clean electricity needed to unlock B.C.'s world-class deposits, power new processing facilities and secure Canada's role as a trusted global supplier. By building this vital infrastructure faster and more responsibly, we are taking control of our own future and getting big things built in Canada again."

The Honourable Tim Hodgson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

"Today's groundbreaking announcement for the North Coast Transmission Line marks a pivotal step for Canada's critical minerals sector. Major projects like these are strengthening Canada -- creating good jobs, attracting investment, cutting carbon emissions and building the infrastructure we need to compete and prosper for generations to come."

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada–U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy

"This critical transmission investment builds on B.C.'s clean energy advantage and unlocks the economic potential of the North Coast. By expanding our transmission system, we are reducing constraints on the grid, supporting sustainable development and opening new opportunities for trade, investment and job creation that will benefit people throughout the province."

Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions for British Columbia

"The Government of Canada is committed to building the infrastructure B.C. needs to power economic growth, support communities and create new opportunities right across the province. Today's groundbreaking of the North Coast Transmission Line marks a major milestone for B.C.'s clean energy future, and at a critical time for Canada, the focus is on building a stronger, more resilient economy. Together we are building B.C. and Canada strong."

The Honourable Gregor Robertson
Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

"In a time of global uncertainty, British Columbia is focused on what we can control here at home: diversifying our trading partners and building critical infrastructure to make our province the economic engine of a stronger Canada. The North Coast Transmission Line is a generational project that will power clean growth and deliver thousands of jobs for families across B.C."

David Eby
Premier of British Columbia

"The Canada Infrastructure Bank's early works investment is helping advance the foundational planning and development activities for the North Coast Transmission Line. This project has the potential to unlock clean power, support economic growth and create long-term benefits for communities, Indigenous partners and businesses across British Columbia."

Ehren Cory
CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank

"Today represents a new beginning for our region, our shared economy and our shared alignment of values that move strong economy-building projects forward. We remain deeply committed to working with our partner First Nations throughout the region, Canada and British Columbia to advance projects that meet our collective goals while ensuring the safety and prosperity of natural habitats for future generations to enjoy. Today marks the commencement of powering our future." 

Chief Dolleen Logan 
Lheidli T'enneh First Nation 

Quick facts

• Phase 1 construction focuses on a 165-km, 500-kilovolt (kV) transmission segment running from the Williston Substation near Prince George to the Glenannan Substation near Fraser Lake.
• In July 2026, the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia signed the new Canada–British Columbia Cooperative Prosperity Agreement, which will further accelerate the construction of major energy and trade corridors, including the North Coast Transmission Line. Under the agreement, the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia are committing $3.9 billion toward phases 1 and 2 of the project to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable electricity to communities across British Columbia.
• In November 2025, the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) provided a $139.5-million loan to BC Hydro to fast-track pre-construction work -- including engineering, route clearing, and First Nations consultations -- ensuring Phase 1 was ready for groundbreaking.
• On November 13, 2025, the NCTL project was referred to the Major Projects Office.
• First Nations have the opportunity to co-own up to 50 percent of the new transmission line as part of the project. 
• $44,216,099 million in funding through the First and Last Mile Fund was announced at PDAC 2026 for BC Hydro's Northwest Transmission Line System Upgrades project, complementing the NCTL through enhancements to existing transmission infrastructure that will form part of the project's expansion.
• Canada's National Electricity Strategy could deliver up to $15 billion in total energy savings by 2050 and lower total energy costs for 7 in 10 Canadian households.
• Canada has the lowest residential electricity costs in the G7, the second-lowest industrial electricity costs in the G7 and the OECD and the second-highest share of clean energy generation in the G7.
• Canada's new government is already advancing strategic investments in the modernization and expansion of Canada's electricity infrastructure, including:
  • Major clean economy Investment Tax Credits, such as those for clean electricity, clean technology, and carbon capture, utilization and storage.
  • Strategic financing through the Canada Infrastructure Bank (with a $20 billion clean energy target), the Canada Growth Fund and the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program (envelope doubled from $5 billion to $10 billion).
  • Programming targeted at priority areas in the electricity sector, including the $4.5-billion Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program.
  • A new Productivity Super-Deduction -- a set of enhanced tax incentives covering all new capital investment that allows businesses to write off a larger share of the cost of these investments right away.
  • The Electric Vehicle Affordability Program, which makes it more affordable for Canadians to buy or lease electric vehicles.

Associated Links

• Major Projects Office - North Coast Transmission Line
• Prime Minister Carney announces forthcoming National Electricity Strategy
• Prime Minister Carney announces second tranche of nation-building projects referred to the Major Projects Office
• Canada and British Columbia strike new cooperative prosperity partnership to build a stronger, more sustainable economy
• CIB loans $139.5 million to BC Hydro for North Coast Transmission Line early works

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

Contacts: Natural Resources Canada, Media Relations, 343-292-6096, [email protected]; Charlotte Power, Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, [email protected]