(SeaPRwire) –   TORONTO, April 24, 2026 – Against a backdrop of widespread uncertainty, the federal government is working to establish Canada as a reliable energy superpower both domestically and on the global stage.

To advance this goal, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced today that the Government of Canada has granted approval to the Sunrise Expansion Program in British Columbia.

This $4-billion natural gas expansion of Enbridge’s Westcoast pipeline system will help meet rising energy demand across the province by adding up to 300 million cubic feet per day of extra transport capacity to B.C.’s main natural gas transmission network. This gas will heat homes, commercial properties, schools and hospitals; provide support for B.C.’s industrial and manufacturing sectors; and ensure British Columbia has adequate gas supplies as LNG export facilities such as Woodfibre LNG — which will be the world’s first net-zero LNG facility — commence operations.

The project, which is set to break ground this summer, supports Canada’s trade diversification strategy by improving its capacity to meet natural gas demand from Asian markets, and is projected to add more than $3 billion to Canada’s GDP. It will also generate over $700 million in federal and provincial tax revenue to fund new roads, hospitals and schools, and create 2,500 positions during peak construction, including roles for members of local Indigenous communities.

We are dedicated to moving major energy projects forward efficiently, while upholding strict environmental standards and conducting Indigenous consultation practices that all Canadians can be proud of. A strong Canada is one where large-scale projects are delivered, new jobs are created, and energy is both secure and affordable for all residents.

Quotes

“Our promise to Canadians was to get projects approved and built — and with today’s approval of the Sunrise Expansion Program, we are delivering on that commitment. This project will allow us to heat more homes, businesses, hospitals and schools while strengthening British Columbian industry, including the LNG sector, and creating thousands of jobs. It is proof that, in partnership with industry and Indigenous partners, we can boost energy security and price stability, open up new international trade opportunities, and still meet rigorous environmental and safety standards. This is exactly what being an energy superpower entails.”
The Honourable Tim Hodgson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“We are grateful for the support of the Canadian government and other stakeholders who have helped bring this project to fruition at such a critical moment for the country. The multibillion-dollar Sunrise Expansion Program is a shovel-ready, high-priority natural gas infrastructure project that supports progress toward Canada’s energy superpower ambitions. We are proud of our long history of investing and building across Canada and British Columbia, and we are excited about the role this project will play in driving greater economic prosperity and energy security.”
Greg Ebel
CEO and President, Enbridge

Quick Facts

• The project will expand British Columbia’s existing natural gas pipeline system, adding roughly 139 kilometres of new pipeline through the construction of 11 pipeline looping segments running parallel to the existing line, along with additional natural gas compression capacity, and upgrades and modifications to current facilities.
• The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) serves as the Federal Crown Consultation Coordinator for the project. The CER has recommended approval, subject to 47 binding conditions covering environmental protection, safety, and Indigenous engagement.
• To date, Enbridge has spent more than $52 million on hiring staff and procuring services from Indigenous businesses for the Sunrise Expansion Program.

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada