Canada’s energy minister has emphasized that Alberta’s proposed pipeline project to the West Coast will require the cooperation of its neighboring province to move forward. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently announced plans to advance a bitumen pipeline across northern British Columbia to reach the Pacific Ocean.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson highlighted the necessity for Alberta to secure approval from the B.C. government and impacted Indigenous communities for the project’s construction. Hodgson stressed the importance of garnering support from the jurisdictions and First Nations involved in the project.
Smith intends to formally submit an application to the federal Major Projects Office (MPO) in spring 2026, with hopes that a private sector entity will take on the project post-clearance. However, B.C. Premier David Eby has expressed skepticism about a new pipeline traversing his province, citing potential risks to community backing and the social license required for other coastal projects.
Hodgson indicated that Ottawa would play a constructive role in facilitating discussions between Alberta and B.C., though he noted that the pipeline proposal is still in its early phases. The president of an organization representing First Nations along B.C.’s north coast has already voiced opposition to a new bitumen pipeline.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has engaged with Alberta Premier Smith multiple times in recent months, with Smith expressing optimism about Ottawa addressing Albertans’ concerns. Smith has positioned the pipeline initiative as a litmus test for national unity.
The MPO, established by Carney’s government to expedite approval for significant projects, may take several months to assess Alberta’s proposal once submitted. Dawn Farrell, the MPO’s CEO, mentioned that the evaluation process could ideally span four to five months.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the perceived lengthy timeline, advocating for immediate approval to attract private investments for the pipeline’s development. Poilievre urged federal authorities to streamline the permit issuance to facilitate the project’s realization.