Dawn Farrell Named CEO of Liberal Government's Major Projects Office

Dawn Farrell, chair of the Trans Mountain Corporation, has been appointed CEO of the Liberal government's Major Projects Office. She has extensive experience in the energy industry and will lead the office, which will streamline approvals for nation-building infrastructure projects. Farrell's appointment is expected to strengthen ties between Ottawa and Alberta, with Premier Danielle Smith having a good relationship with her.

Dawn Farrell, the chair of the board of directors of the Trans Mountain Corporation, has been appointed CEO of the Liberal government's Major Projects Office. This move comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the establishment of the office, which will be based in Calgary with offices across the country [1].

Farrell brings nearly four decades of experience in the energy industry to her new role. Prior to her appointment, she served as an executive vice president for the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority and CEO of TransAlta, one of Canada's largest wind power producers. She took up her role as Trans Mountain CEO in 2022 [1].

The Major Projects Office aims to streamline approvals for nation-building infrastructure projects. The office will serve as a central point for pitches, complaints, and concerns about projects. Carney's major projects bill, Bill C-5, passed in June, enabling the federal cabinet to pick projects, approve them upfront, and override federal laws, environmental reviews, and the permitting process [1].

Carney expects the office to help strengthen ties between Ottawa and Alberta. Premier Danielle Smith has a reported good relationship with Farrell, which may facilitate smoother project approvals [1].

The office's initial focus may include new port infrastructure in Churchill, Manitoba, and Montreal, which could open up opportunities for liquified natural gas (LNG) and critical metals and minerals [1].

References:
[1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/major-projects-office-carney-1.7620935