Building Big Things: A Generational Opportunity for Canada

As Canada teeters on the edge of a transformative era in energy, mining, and infrastructure, the newly launched Build Big Things playbook offers vital strategies for harnessing this momentous opportunity. Authored by JP Gladu, a recognized leader in Indigenous-led initiatives, this playbook emphasizes the importance of collaboration among Indigenous communities, industry, unions, and governments to ensure that growth is inclusive and beneficial for all Canadians.

A Crucial Moment for Canada

Gladu introduces the playbook in a context where Canada must rebalance its economy amid waning global competitiveness. An outdated regulatory framework, combined with an urgent demand to decarbonize and expand energy production, creates both challenges and substantial opportunities. Recent actions taken in British Columbia, which expedited nine major energy projects, demonstrate the potential for streamlined processes. Other provinces, like Nova Scotia, are also taking steps to reduce project timelines, signaling a shift towards quicker, more efficient project approvals.

The pressing question for Canada is how to leverage its abundant natural resources while acknowledging its commitments to climate change and Indigenous rights. The stark reality is that Canada’s economic trajectory has been less than favorable, marked by stagnating productivity and inadequate investment in foundational infrastructure.

The Significance of Indigenous Voices

At the heart of Gladu’s messaging is the need for meaningful Indigenous participation in projects that affect their lands and communities. Indigenous peoples are not peripheral stakeholders; they are central to shaping Canada’s future. As Gladu asserts, their rights, prosperity, and values are critical to creating a sustainable economy that serves everyone.

The playbook delineates ten essential strategies for achieving prosperity, but success hinges on assembling a dedicated team that aligns industry goals with the interests of Indigenous communities and workers’ unions. This is the crux of building successful coalitions that prioritize mutual benefits.

Economic Advantages Await

Canada is uniquely positioned to thrive amidst global changes in energy demand. With rich deposits of critical minerals and a transition toward renewable energy sources, the country holds the key to enhancing its economic stature. Recent reports, including an RBC study, project that Canada will require up to $2 trillion in investment over the next three decades to revamp its energy infrastructure and address climate commitments.

The transition involves not just technological innovation, but also extensive physical infrastructure—wind turbines, solar farms, and high-voltage transmission lines. The scale of the required development is staggering: over 77,000 megawatts of new wind capacity and 40,000 kilometers of high-voltage transmission lines are among the goals established for 2050.

A National Consensus

There is a growing recognition among stakeholders that unlocking investment in energy, critical minerals, and infrastructure projects is paramount for Canada’s economic growth. The playbook frames this new national consensus as a commitment to accelerating project approvals and capitalizing on existing inventory.

Through rigorous analysis and extensive consultations, PPF outlines a Mission Canada plan that aims to leverage the country’s advantages and address structural issues such as regulatory burdens and financing gaps. This plan is not merely an outline of ambitions; it serves as a roadmap for coordinated action across all levels of government.

The Four Strategic Pillars

The playbook identifies four strategic pillars essential for accelerating investment:

1. Coordinated Financing: Aligning public and private funding to streamline support for critical projects.

2. Efficient Regulations: Redefining the regulatory landscape to facilitate expedited project approvals while maintaining environmental integrity.

3. Enabling Critical Infrastructure: Ensuring foundational infrastructure aligns with upcoming energy and resource projects.

4. Increasing Indigenous Economic Participation: Enhancing partnerships that enable Indigenous communities to actively engage in and benefit from major projects.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

The time is ripe for Canada to embrace bold ambitions and recognize the pivotal role of every stakeholder in crafting a sustainable future. As the playbook lays out, the path to revitalizing Canada’s economy is not just about individual projects but about constructing a comprehensive framework that values collaboration, inclusiveness, and efficiency.

The stakes are significant—the successful execution of this playbook could not only accelerate Canada’s economic recovery but also restore it as a leading player in the global market, ensuring that no community is left behind in this vital transformation. By committing to these essential plays, Canada has the potential to secure a prosperous future for generations to come.

In the face of unprecedented challenges, the Build Big Things playbook stands as a clarion call for all Canadians: let’s seize this moment to build a brighter, more inclusive future together.