Leaders from the oil and gas sector met with federal Liberal MPs in Edmonton on Tuesday, ahead of the unveiling of a new list of major projects slated for expedited approval. This list, set to be revealed on Thursday, reportedly will not include a new oil export pipeline. Despite this, there has been no significant backlash from the Alberta government or the Canadian oil industry so far.

The meeting included three senior executives from the oil and gas sector, who engaged in discussions with a larger group of petroleum producers and cabinet ministers, including Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, and Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin. Jeff Lawson, executive vice-president of Cenovus Energy, described the meeting as productive. "I met with 50 MPs in Edmonton and it was a terrific meeting, and we just talked about trying to balance economy and environment," he said.

Lawson expressed initial anxiety about the meeting but felt reassured by the thoughtful engagement from the MPs. "I went into that meeting anxious... It’s an unknown environment and I was treated really well, really thoughtfully, and people listened. And I left feeling light. I left feeling good," he stated. However, he emphasized the need for action moving forward.

In Calgary, Premier Danielle Smith downplayed concerns regarding the absence of a new oil pipeline on the initial project list. The Smith government aims to double oil and gas production over time and has advocated for a new pipeline capable of transporting one million barrels per day from Alberta to the Port of Prince Rupert in British Columbia. However, there is currently no private sector proponent for this project.

Smith noted that the project list is not final and can be updated. "You have to understand the list is going to be an ‘evergreening’ list. It’s not, ‘Oh, my gosh, this is it. Nothing else can be added,’" she explained. She also mentioned that there are pathways for projects to be added as they become ready.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to discuss these issues with Smith during a meeting scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. Earlier, Carney informed the Liberal caucus that the government will announce the first batch of projects deemed nationally important, which will receive expedited approval. These projects must contribute to the economy, align with climate goals, and consider the interests of Indigenous peoples.

The government has established a new Major Projects Office in Calgary, led by former Trans Mountain Corp. CEO Dawn Farrell. This office aims to streamline the approval process for major projects, including mines, transmission lines, ports, and pipelines, reducing federal timelines to a maximum of two years.

Despite the anticipation surrounding the project list, federal leaders have reiterated that no new oil pipeline has been proposed by private-sector proponents. Alberta’s premier and industry leaders have indicated that no proposals will be made until certain federal policies are revised, including the emissions cap on the oil and gas sector, the Impact Assessment Act, and the tanker ban on the northwest coast of British Columbia.

Craig Watt, vice-president of operations with Enserva, expressed disappointment if the project list does not include an oil pipeline. "If the reports are correct and the first batch of nation-building projects do not include an oil pipeline, it will be a disappointment," he said.

Lisa Baiton, CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, noted that while the absence of a pipeline on the list is not immediately concerning, there is a need for a policy reset regarding emissions and other regulations to facilitate industry growth.

Ensign Energy Services president Bob Geddes remarked on the challenges facing pipeline development, stating, "What good is a pipeline if you can’t put it in a tanker?" He emphasized the need for legislative changes to support major project development.

As discussions continue, Lawson remains optimistic about the energy sector's potential to contribute to the economy. He believes that recent conversations indicate a more open environment for energy projects compared to previous administrations. "It felt like the door was closed when (former prime minister Justin) Trudeau and (former environment minister Steven) Guilbeault were the tag team in power, and it feels now like the door is absolutely open," he said.