North Coast Transmission Line construction underway, expected to create 9,700 jobs
The B.C. project will employ 1,400 workers at peak construction and contribute nearly $10 billion annually to the provincial GDP, part of the government's Look West strategy.
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Construction has begun on the North Coast Transmission Line, a generational infrastructure project expected to create approximately 9,700 direct full-time jobs once finished and employ as many as 1,400 workers at peak construction across Phase 1 and Phase 2.
The project is expected to contribute nearly $10 billion annually to B.C.'s provincial GDP and generate approximately $950 million in annual revenue for the Province and local governments. It will expand transmission capacity and help secure significant private-sector investment leading to long-term economic growth in northern B.C., supporting development of major industrial projects in mining and energy sectors.
The transmission line is part of B.C.'s Look West strategy to reduce economic reliance on the United States and will strengthen key export industries while supporting trade diversification. The project will also expand access to clean electricity.
On July 2, 2026, the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia signed the Canada-British Columbia Co-operative Prosperity Agreement, which provided federal government funding support toward Phases 1 and 2. The federal government has committed to working with the Province to support funding for Phase 3.
"In a time of global uncertainty, British Columbia is focused on what we can control here at home: diversifying our trading partners and building critical infrastructure to make our province the economic engine of a stronger Canada. The North Coast Transmission Line is a generational project that will power clean growth and deliver thousands of jobs for families across B.C.," Premier David Eby said.
Federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson added that the line will deliver the clean electricity needed to unlock B.C.'s world-class deposits, power new processing facilities and secure Canada's role as a trusted global supplier. The project will generate tens of billions of dollars in economic activity and support local businesses and job opportunities beyond line construction.
BC Hydro is planning major investments in non-generation power infrastructure such as transmission and distribution over the next decade. British Columbia imported electricity equivalent to 2 Site C Dams' worth for the second year in a row as of January 20, 2025, making transmission capacity expansion critical to the province's energy security.
What is the total capital cost of the North Coast Transmission Line project across all three phases?
How do these job-creation projections compare to employment figures from the previous phase or earlier estimates?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
By the numbers
How many direct full-time jobs will the North Coast Transmission Line create?
The North Coast Transmission Line is expected to create approximately 9,700 direct full-time jobs once finished.
How many workers will the project employ at peak construction?
As many as 1,400 workers will be employed at peak construction across Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the North Coast Transmission Line.
What annual economic contribution is the project expected to make to B.C.'s GDP?
The North Coast Transmission Line is expected to contribute nearly $10 billion annually to British Columbia's provincial GDP.
How much annual revenue will the project generate for the Province and local governments?
The project will generate approximately $950 million in annual revenue for the Province of British Columbia and local governments.
