Mark Carney, the Prime Minister, has disclosed that Dawn Farrell, currently serving as the chair of the board of directors at the Trans Mountain Corporation, will assume the role of CEO at the Major Projects Office under the Liberal government.
Carney emphasized the importance of nation-building initiatives, expressing his excitement about Farrell’s appointment as a highly skilled executive who will play a crucial role in this significant endeavor.
According to insider sources, Carney sought a candidate with a proven track record in managing large and intricate projects spanning multiple provinces while navigating complex regulatory environments.
This strategic move is expected to enhance the relationship between the federal government and Alberta.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith commended Farrell, citing her exceptional corporate achievements within the province and expressing satisfaction that both she and the Prime Minister consider Farrell an invaluable advisor.
Dawn Farrell, chair of the board of directors of the Trans Mountain Corporation, has been named the CEO of the Liberal government’s Major Projects Office, a central hub in Calgary aimed at expediting regulatory processes for key infrastructure projects.
With nearly forty years of experience in the energy sector, Farrell has held significant roles such as executive vice-president at B.C. Hydro and CEO of TransAlta, a major wind power producer in Canada, before assuming the CEO position at Trans Mountain in 2022.
Carney’s Bill C-5, designed to accelerate approvals for critical infrastructure projects identified as “nation-building,” successfully passed through Parliament in June.
The subsequent legislation, the Building Canada Act, grants authority to the federal cabinet to select and pre-approve projects, superseding federal laws, environmental assessments, and permitting processes.
This legislation aims to reduce approval timelines from five to two years by implementing a streamlined “one project, one review” approach that integrates federal and provincial approval procedures.
The Major Projects Office (MPO) will serve as a central platform for project presentations, issue resolutions, and stakeholder feedback. Notably, not all projects approved by the office will automatically receive federal funding, as per CBC News sources.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) highlighted the office’s role in coordinating financing from private sector entities, provincial and territorial partners, and the federal government to ensure optimal value for taxpayers.
