The federal government and British Columbia have signed a wide-ranging Canada–British Columbia Cooperative Prosperity Agreement that places a strong focus on Northern and Northwestern B.C., major infrastructure development, and expanded Indigenous economic participation in resource projects.
The agreement was announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier David Eby in Vancouver on July 2, 2026.
A central focus of the agreement is the development of Northern B.C. and the Northwest critical mineral corridor, including support for the expansion of the Red Chris Mine and additional mineral and energy projects in the region. The agreement highlights the importance of working directly with First Nations, including the Tahltan Nation, through the proposed Tahltan Foundation Agreement and other partnership models tied to resource development and conservation planning.
Major energy projects are also included, such as LNG Canada Phase 2, Cedar LNG, Ksi Lisims LNG, and Woodfibre LNG. These projects are expected to expand export capacity on the North Coast and create long-term employment opportunities across Northern communities.
Infrastructure commitments include federal support for the North Coast Transmission Line, which is intended to provide clean electricity to remote and industrial regions, as well as major upgrades to trade corridors through the Port of Vancouver and the George Massey Tunnel replacement project.
Indigenous participation is a core element of the agreement, with both governments committing to First Nations consultation, equity participation, and long-term benefit sharing in major projects. Officials say this approach is intended to ensure reconciliation and economic development advance together.
Environmental protections are also reinforced, including watershed conservation, marine protection, and the continued North Coast tanker ban, which remains unchanged under the agreement.
The federal government says the agreement is designed to unlock billions in investment, strengthen export capacity, and support thousands of jobs, particularly in Northern B.C., while balancing economic development with environmental stewardship and Indigenous rights.
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