The Alberta government is set to submit a formal application to the federal Major Projects Office for a new bitumen pipeline that will run to the northwest coast of British Columbia. With a commitment of $14 million, the province will lead a “technical advisory group” involving major pipeline companies like Enbridge, South Bow, and Trans Mountain, although their participation in the project is not guaranteed.
At this stage, no specific route for the pipeline has been proposed, and the province will need to identify potential routes as part of its planned efforts. Both the federal government and the British Columbia government have been informed about the project, with some Indigenous groups, including the Fort McKay First Nation and the National Coalition of Chiefs, already engaged in discussions.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith emphasized that the project is not just about a pipeline but about unlocking Canada’s economic potential. She highlighted the importance of collaboration with Indigenous partners and industry experts to ensure the project’s success and align it with the national interest.
The province cited the reluctance of private industry to invest in such a pipeline due to existing federal regulations, particularly the restrictions on oil tankers in B.C.’s northern waters imposed in 2019. Smith expressed optimism about potential revisions to these regulations following discussions with Prime Minister Mark Carney.
In addition to seeking private sector involvement in building and operating the pipeline, Alberta aims to push for reforms to the Impact Assessment Act and the proposed federal cap on oil and gas sector emissions. The province is confident of private sector interest in the project and plans to submit the application to the Major Projects Office in spring 2026.
British Columbia Premier David Eby raised concerns about the vague nature of the pipeline proposal and its heavy reliance on government funding. He stressed the importance of real, private sector projects for economic growth and expressed reservations about the Alberta-led initiative.
Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre voiced support for private investment in pipelines, criticizing government interference and advocating for a streamlined approval process. Meanwhile, Federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson assured ongoing collaboration with Alberta and emphasized the need for consultations with Indigenous groups and alignment with national environmental objectives.
The announcement from Alberta follows extensive discussions between federal and provincial governments and private industry on infrastructure projects. Alberta’s push for a major crude oil pipeline to coastal waters signals a step towards bolstering national infrastructure, although specific proposals are yet to materialize. The establishment of the Major Projects Office in Calgary and the identification of key nation-building projects by the federal government underscore ongoing efforts to accelerate infrastructure development across Canada.