CIBC analysts applaud Alberta efforts to spur new pipeline, but doubt its success

Analysts at CIBC say they’re doubtful Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s plan to spur development of a West Coast bitumen pipeline will succeed.

They say in a report that they applaud the effort and are open to the possibility of such a project going ahead, but the political and economic realities may be difficult to overcome.

Smith says her government is putting up $14 million for early planning work on a pipeline that it hopes the private sector will eventually take over, with potential Indigenous ownership.

Related: • Alberta pipeline missing from major projects list, but Premier Smith is optimistic • Alberta re-enters pipeline arena, plans to propose new oil pipeline to B.C. coast

A committee of industry, First Nations and political leaders will advise on the specifics of a propo