Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney have both expressed openness to exploring alternative routes for a potential pipeline to deliver Alberta oil to Asian markets, routes that wouldn’t necessarily end at B.C.’s northwest coast.
“Some of the alternatives are already emerging,” Smith said in Ottawa on Thursday when asked if the northwest coast was the only option being considered. She said there are several ideas on the table to boost oil exports, including expanding Enbridge’s main line and finding better ways to use old Keystone assets.
She said there are several ideas on the table to boost oil exports, including expanding Enbridge’s main line and finding better ways to use old Keystone assets.
“North, south, east, west, we’re willing to go in every direction,” Smith remarked.
She’s been at odds with B.C. Premier David Eby for months on the issue. Back in June, Eby said he wouldn’t back a new pipeline, arguing the Trans Mountain Expansion Project was already in place, to which Smith replied she would “convince” him. In November, Carney and Smith signed a historic memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining what needs to happen for a new oil pipeline to the Pacific to move forward.
Alberta agreed to negotiate an industrial carbon pricing deal by April 2026, setting a floor price of $130 per tonne. In return, the federal government agreed not to impose the oil and gas emissions cap, to suspend clean electricity rules in the province, and, if needed, to exempt the project from the federal tanker ban. Eby, however, has firmly opposed lifting the tanker ban, which has been in place since 2019 and blocks large oil tankers from operating on B.C.’s north coast.
Smith said they’re aiming to have the project ready by June and hope Ottawa will act quickly so technical work can begin. She’s confident that, once approved, there will be strong private sector partners ready to build. Eby responded that Smith is committed to keeping B.C. updated on her progress, and he looks forward to hearing more.
-With files from Spencer Van Dyk/CTV News
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