August 5, 2026 Saguenay, Quebec Natural Resources Canada
Canada is ready to build the critical minerals projects that will strengthen our economy, diversify our trade and secure the supply chains Canadians depend on. As global demand for critical minerals grows, strategic investments in clean energy and transportation infrastructure are unlocking new mining projects and connecting Canadian resources to domestic and international markets — creating jobs and supporting long-term prosperity.
Today, Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a nearly $5-million investment under the First and Last Mile Fund in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region that will help advance infrastructure essential to responsibly developing Quebec’s critical minerals, specifically First Phosphate’s Bégin–Lamarche phosphate mine. First Phosphate is matching NRCan’s contribution for both projects, catalyzing an additional close to $5 million in private investment.
Quebec accounts for nearly one-fifth of Canada’s mineral production, containing significant deposits of critical and strategic minerals including phosphate, which is used in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries — durable, cost-effective technology that powers electric vehicles, renewable energy storage systems, off-grid power solutions and emergency backup systems used by Canadians every day.
This funding will go towards pre-development work including feasibility and environmental studies and engagement with Indigenous and local communities to help determine the best routes and designs for power transmission and transportation infrastructure that would link the mine to regional rail networks and the Port of Saguenay. This will speed up responsible development by addressing infrastructure gaps that can delay resource development. Once launched, the projects are expected to create approximately 500 jobs during construction while the mine is expected to create approximately 300 jobs once production begins in 2029.
By investing in enabling infrastructure, the Government of Canada is building more resilient, sovereign supply chains; reducing reliance on non-allied materials; supporting Indigenous and community participation; and creating good-paying jobs. Canada has what the world wants, and we are working with Quebec and Indigenous Peoples to unlock our resources to create jobs, prosperity and security for all.
