Question Period Note: Atlantic Loop

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About

Reference number:
INFC-012023-INFC-0010
Date received:
Sep 26, 2022
Organization:
Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Name of Minister:
LeBlanc, Dominic (Hon.)
Title of Minister:
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

Issue/Question:

Atlantic Loop to support the clean power transition in Atlantic Canada

Suggested Response:

  • The Atlantic Loop is a flagship clean energy project for Eastern Canada and our Government is committed to working to establish a clear path forward, along with Atlantic Premiers partners and regional utilities.

  • This is a transformational project that will help to advance our climate and economic goals and provide the foundation for a greener, more prosperous economy.

  • We look forward to advancing this important work and work with Atlantic Canadians to make them leaders in the greening of our energy grid.

On the federal role in the Atlantic Loop

  • With our provincial partners and utilities, the federal government is at the table, working to establish a clear path forward for the project.

  • The Government of Canada has made significant investment to support clean power priorities, including with tools like the Canada Infrastructure Bank and programming through the strengthened climate plan.

  • We look forward to advancing discussions with provinces and utilities over the course of 2022.

Background:

  • Independent modelling and utility studies have identified the critical role of enhanced electricity transmission capacity from Quebec into New Brunswick (NB) and Nova Scotia (NS). This would enable clean hydro power imports to support NB and NS decommissioning remaining coal-fired plants by 2030 and meet future electricity needs.

  • Canada is leading a Working Table of Senior officials with Quebec, NB, and NS governments and utilities to confirm the business case and support a clear path forward for the Atlantic Loop transmission project. The project is currently estimated to cost between ~$4 billion and reduce up to 3 megatons of greenhouse gas emissions, subject to broader system considerations. The Canada Infrastructure Bank is positioned in these discussions as the principle federal tool to support major transmission projects.

  • Discussions are continuing via the federal-provincial Atlantic Loop Backbone Working Table to evaluate the project’s business case and consider the federal role in the project.

Additional Information:

None