Ottawa says it’s a defining moment for our country.

They’ve referred several big infrastructure plans to the new Major Projects Office, which helps fast-track projects of national interest.

They include an expanded Port of Montreal and major natural gas, power and mining projects.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says it will help transform the country’s economy.

“From one that had become too reliant on a single trading partner, to an economy that’s resilient and dynamic. An economy that’s built for Canadian workers and their families,” said the PM during an announcement Thursday.

Carney adds they’re looking at offshore wind from Nova Scotia, critical minerals and high-speed rail from Toronto to Quebec City.

He says it’s Canada’s opportunity to think big and define the next century.

Minister responsible for Canada/U.S. trade Dominic LeBlanc says we’ve done it before, and Canada is ready to do it again.

“In the past, federal authorities have focused on asking why a project should go ahead. Now, we’re asking how a project should go ahead,” LeBlanc told reporters in Montreal.

N.S. Premier calls it important first step for Wind West

Meanwhile, Nova Scotia’s Premier is happy to see Wind West as a project of national interest.

Tim Houston thanked the Prime Minister for putting faith in the plan, which would send offshore wind from Nova Scotia across the country.

He calls it an important first step.

Houston says it would produce enough energy to meet over a quarter of Canada’s energy demands, and attract billions of dollars to the province.