The Alberta government intends to submit a formal application to the federal Major Projects Office for a new bitumen pipeline to the northwest coast of British Columbia. The province will allocate $14 million to the project and lead a technical advisory group comprising Enbridge, South Bow, and Trans Mountain. The specific pipeline route has not been determined yet, and the province will explore potential routes as part of its upcoming work.
Both the federal and British Columbia governments have been informed of the plans, and engagement with Indigenous groups, including the Fort McKay First Nation and the National Coalition of Chiefs, has already begun. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith emphasized the importance of collaboration with Indigenous partners and industry experts to ensure the project’s alignment with national interests.
The province’s decision to act as the proponent for the pipeline application stems from the private sector’s reluctance to commit the required capital due to existing federal regulations, particularly the 2019 restrictions on oil tankers in B.C.’s northern waters. Premier Smith expressed optimism that Ottawa will reconsider these regulations following her discussions with Prime Minister Mark Carney.
In addition to seeking revisions to the tanker restrictions, Premier Smith aims to advocate for changes to the Impact Assessment Act and the proposed federal cap on oil and gas sector emissions. The province’s ultimate goal is to secure private sector involvement in constructing and operating the new bitumen pipeline.
Alberta’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Larry Kaumeyer, expressed confidence in attracting private sector interest for the project and clarified that the province does not intend to develop or operate the pipeline itself. The application is expected to be submitted to the Major Projects Office in the spring of 2026.
British Columbia Premier David Eby raised concerns about the project’s reliance on government involvement and lack of private sector support. He highlighted existing private sector projects in B.C. that are crucial for the economy and expressed reservations about Alberta’s taxpayer-funded pipeline proposal.
Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre voiced support for the new pipeline, emphasizing the need for private sector investment in profitable projects. He criticized government intervention in the industry and called for a streamlined process to facilitate pipeline construction in Canada.
Federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson emphasized the importance of meaningful consultations with Indigenous communities and alignment with climate change objectives for evaluating any proposed project. He affirmed the federal government’s commitment to evaluating the pipeline project based on its merits.
Alberta’s announcement follows extensive discussions between federal and provincial governments and private industry to boost infrastructure development nationwide. The province’s efforts to engage private-sector players in major project proposals align with the federal government’s infrastructure objectives.
Overall, Alberta’s initiative to pursue a new bitumen pipeline to the northern B.C. coast reflects a strategic approach to economic development while addressing regulatory challenges and seeking collaboration with various stakeholders for project success.
