Canada’s energy minister emphasized the need for Alberta to gain support from British Columbia to advance its proposed pipeline project to the West Coast. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently announced plans for a bitumen pipeline crossing northern British Columbia to reach the Pacific Ocean.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson stressed the importance of securing backing from British Columbia and impacted Indigenous communities for the project’s realization. Hodgson highlighted the necessity for the Alberta government to garner support from both jurisdictions and First Nations to proceed with the construction.
Smith intends to formally submit the project proposal to the federal Major Projects Office in spring 2026, with hopes that a private sector entity will take over once it passes this stage. However, B.C. Premier David Eby has expressed skepticism about a new pipeline crossing through his province, citing concerns about jeopardizing community approval for other coastal projects.
Hodgson mentioned that while Ottawa would participate in discussions between Alberta and B.C., the pipeline initiative is still in its early phases. He emphasized that Alberta must address pending work before presenting the proposal in 2026.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has engaged with Premier Smith multiple times recently, with Smith expressing optimism about Alberta’s concerns being addressed at the federal level. The pipeline project has been framed by Smith as a test of national unity in Canada.
Carney’s government established the MPO to expedite approval for significant projects. Dawn Farrell, the MPO’s CEO, indicated that it could take several months for the office to assess Alberta’s proposal once submitted, aiming for a decision within four to five months.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the timeline, urging for immediate approval to attract private investments for the pipeline’s construction. Poilievre asserted that swift government action would facilitate billions of dollars in private funding for the project.