EDMONTON — Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to announce the first major industrial projects under the federal government’s strategy to lessen Canada’s economic dependence on the United States. This announcement will take place on Thursday, as Carney informed his caucus on Wednesday.

Carney described these upcoming projects as "transformative" and emphasized their alignment with the interests of Indigenous communities and Canada’s climate objectives. He expressed a desire to "turbocharge" the Canadian economy through significant nation-building initiatives. These projects aim to connect various regions, diversify products, and create new markets, ultimately generating hundreds of thousands of high-paying jobs across sectors from trades to technology.

The prime minister made these remarks during a speech to Liberal MPs at a caucus retreat in Edmonton, which precedes the return of the House of Commons next week. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who was scheduled to meet with Carney later in the day, commented on the anticipated project list. She stated that she would not be concerned if an oil pipeline is not included in the initial announcement. "The list is going to be an evergreening list," Smith said. "It’s not, ‘Oh my gosh, this is it, nothing else can be added.’"

Smith highlighted the need for a more favorable regulatory and legal environment for oilsands companies. She reiterated her call for the repeal of the West Coast oil tanker ban and the emissions cap, questioning how oilsands companies could commit to new production under current restrictions. "Why would an oilsands company, in this environment, knowing that there’s an emissions cap which would result in them curtailing 2.1 million barrels of production — how in the world can they then pledge new barrels to go into a pipeline that would go to a coast where there’s a tanker ban?" she asked.

Smith characterized her government’s discussions with federal officials regarding energy investment as "very constructive" and expressed optimism about reaching a resolution soon.

In addition to the project announcements, Carney indicated that the government plans to unveil a new "climate-competitiveness strategy" later this fall, focusing on tangible results. He also mentioned the launch of a new national homebuilding strategy next week.

These caucus meetings come as Carney prepares for the release of his government’s first federal budget next month, which he promises will include a mix of spending initiatives and austerity measures. Although Carney did not engage with reporters outside the meeting room on Wednesday, he participated in a podcast hosted by Ryan Jespersen.