Construction or Corruption: Canadian Politics & the Major Projects Office

A Shaky Launch

Announced in late August, the Major Projects Office has hit turbulence, while Build Canada Homes—$13 billion for 4,000 modular homes—has been better received but isn’t immune to skepticism. Canadian politics were on full display with a viral posts on X suggesting each home will cost $3.25 million (the $13 billion covers more). This has fed into an existing corruption narrative tied to Carney’s Brookfield connections, dominating a third of chatter on this channel.

Alberta’s Corruption Concerns

Our 996 Advisors analysis shows Alberta leading the charge on “corruption” mentions linked to the Major Projects Office, followed by British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. Quebec is silent. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s recent praise for Carney clashes with her anti-federal rhetoric, which could backfire as she tries to calm distrustful voters.

Media Echo Chambers in Canadian Politics

Traditional media focuses on Indigenous affairs—economic and First Nations negotiations—painting a specific view of what the key issues will be for the Major Projects Office. On X, it’s all about corruption, amplified by influencers like Moose on the Loose, whose viral Brookfield chart crashed his site. This split highlights Canada’s media echo chambers, a challenge for policymakers who need to reach fragmented audiences.

Poilievre’s Diminished Voice

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s attempt to brand the Major Projects Office as bureaucratic bloat fizzled in comparison with the other narratives on both X and in traditional media. Despite a return to Parliament, his influence is waning, a red flag with a January leadership review looming.

Transparency Is Key

The corruption narrative demands rigorous transparency. Canada should adopt a multilateral development bank model—public websites tracking project funds and procurement—to counter scrutiny from opposition and influencers. Without it, this perception will build to potentially crisis levels. The government must also bridge the media divide, engaging X’s skeptical audience directly and not solely rely on traditional channels to get their message out.