Title: Alberta Proposes New Oil Pipeline to British Columbia

OTTAWA — The Alberta government has announced plans to submit a proposal for a new oil pipeline to the northwest coast of British Columbia. Premier Danielle Smith revealed the initiative on Wednesday, stating that the province will invest $14 million to support the project. The proposal aims to export oil through the region and is part of a broader strategy to enhance Canada’s economic potential.

The pipeline is intended to transport one million barrels of crude oil per day from Edmonton to either Prince Rupert or Kitimat, B.C. Alberta's Deputy Minister of Energy, Larry Kaumeyer, explained that the province will lead the application process, which is expected to be submitted to the federal Major Projects Office by spring 2026. The project will be developed with input from fossil fuel industry advisers and Indigenous business groups.

Smith emphasized the importance of Indigenous involvement, stating, "By doing this the right way from Day 1 with Indigenous partners and industry expertise, we will deliver a proposal that proves this project is undeniably in the national interest."

However, the proposal faces significant challenges. The British Columbia government has expressed skepticism about the project, particularly regarding the existing federal ban on oil tanker traffic along the northern coast. B.C. Premier David Eby has called the tanker ban "foundational" for the province and Indigenous nations, asserting that there are currently no private sector companies advocating for a new oil pipeline.

Eby criticized the Alberta proposal, saying, "This proposal from the Alberta premier for taxpayers to do this work comes at the expense of real private sector projects that are going to lift our economy."

The Alberta government has indicated that it is in discussions with Ottawa about potentially removing environmental regulations that have hindered pipeline development in the past. Kaumeyer noted that the province's involvement in planning is necessary due to previous experiences where private bids faced opposition and were ultimately abandoned.

The proposal aligns with Prime Minister Mark Carney's vision of a "grand bargain" that could see the federal government approve new fossil fuel infrastructure in exchange for commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Carney has suggested that regulations, including the oil tanker ban, could be modified to facilitate new projects.

The Alberta government aims to engage Indigenous nations from the outset, with the goal of establishing partnerships or co-ownership arrangements. Support for the initiative has come from groups like the National Coalition of Chiefs, which advocates for Indigenous participation in resource development.

As the Alberta government moves forward with its plans, it remains to be seen how the proposal will be received by both the federal government and the British Columbia government, as well as the broader public. The outcome will depend on navigating regulatory hurdles and addressing the concerns of Indigenous communities and environmental advocates.