April 24, 2026 Toronto, Ontario Natural Resources Canada
In a time of uncertainty, the federal government is positioning Canada as a secure energy superpower at home and abroad.
In support of this objective, today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced that the Government of Canada has approved the Sunrise Expansion Program in British Columbia.
The $4-billion natural gas expansion of Enbridge's Westcoast pipeline system will help meet growing energy needs in the province by providing up to 300 million cubic feet per day of additional transportation capacity on B.C.'s major natural gas transmission system. This gas will heat homes, business, schools and hospitals; support B.C.'s industrial and manufacturing sectors; and ensure that British Columbia has enough gas supply as LNG export facilities like Woodfibre LNG - which will be the first net-zero LNG facility in the world - come online.
The project, which will begin construction this summer, supports Canada's trade diversification strategy through enhanced ability to meet natural gas demand from Asian markets, anticipated to add more than $3 billion to Canada's GDP. It will also generate over $700 million in federal and provincial tax revenue for new roads, hospitals and schools, and create 2,500 jobs during peak construction, including for local Indigenous communities.
We are committed to moving major energy projects forward efficiently while maintaining high environmental standards and Indigenous consultation that Canadians can be proud of. A strong Canada is a Canada where major projects get built, new jobs are created and energy is secure and affordable for everyone.
