Canada takes next step in potential listing of Mackenzie Valley Highway and Roberts Bank Terminal 2 projects under Building Canada Act

OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 28, 2026 /CNW/ -- Canada is forging ahead with the infrastructure needed to build a stronger, more resilient, and more connected country.

Today, 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, announced the publication of notices in the Canada Gazette for the Mackenzie Valley Highway (MVH) and Roberts Bank Terminal 2 (RBT2) projects, marking the next step in considering whether these projects should be listed under Schedule 1 of the Building Canada Act as projects of national interest.

As the United States fundamentally transforms its commercial relationships and imposes new tariffs on Canadian goods, Canada is taking action to build strength at home, diversify its trading partners, and build the infrastructure required to move Canadian goods to new markets while maintaining Canada's flexibility, independence, and sovereignty.

Together, the MVH and RBT2 projects have the potential to strengthen Canada's transportation and trade networks, improve economic connectivity, unlock new opportunities for northern and Indigenous communities, and support Canada's long-term economic sovereignty. They represent the type of strategic infrastructure that can help Canada position itself for growth in a changing global economy by expanding trade corridors, improving supply chain resilience, and connecting Canadian products to international markets. In the case of the MVH, the project has the potential to significantly strengthen Northern supply chains and bolster Arctic security.

The Canada Gazette publication is a required step under the Building Canada Act. The notices provide formal public notice that the Government of Canada is considering listing these projects under the Building Canada Act and create an opportunity for interested parties to provide written comments before any listing decision is made. Publication of the notices does not constitute a decision to list either project.

Canadians are invited to provide comments on the MVH and RBT2 projects until October 1, 2026. Feedback received will be considered alongside Indigenous consultations, engagement with provinces and territories, and advice from relevant federal ministers as part of the government's decision-making process. The Government of Canada continues to consult extensively with Indigenous communities regarding both projects.

The Government of Canada is committed to advancing projects that help build a stronger Canadian economy while respecting Indigenous rights, maintaining robust environmental and regulatory processes, and ensuring Canadians have a meaningful opportunity to participate in decisions that will shape the country's future. For projects in the territories, listing under the Building Canada Act does not replace or override treaty-based impact assessment and co-management processes established through modern land claim agreements.

Quote

"As the United States fundamentally transforms its commercial relationships and imposes new tariffs on Canadian goods, we are focusing on what we can control: diversifying our trading relationships and building strength at home. Major projects like the Mackenzie Valley Highway and Roberts Bank Terminal 2 will help position Canada for long-term success. The publication of these notices reflects our commitment to transparency and meaningful consultation as we advance nation-building infrastructure projects that connect our businesses with global markets and make Canada more resilient and self-reliant."

- 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

Quick Facts

• Notices regarding the potential listing of the Mackenzie Valley Highway and Roberts Bank Terminal 2 projects will be published in the Canada Gazette on August 29, 2026.
• The public comment period for both projects closes on October 1, 2026.
• Publication in the Canada Gazette is a required step before the Governor in Council can make a decision on whether to list a project as one of national interest under the Building Canada Act.
• Publication of a notice does not mean a listing decision has been made.
• The public comment period for the West Coast Oil Pipeline project remains open until September 18, 2026.

Associated Links

• Building Canada Act

SOURCE President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy

For more information (media only), please contact: Gabriel Brunet, Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor, Office of 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, [email protected] ; Media Relations: Privy Council Office, [email protected]