Title: Smith Sets Deadline for Carney to Address Federal Laws

OTTAWA — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is easing an earlier ultimatum directed at Prime Minister Mark Carney. She expressed hope for a resolution regarding nine federal laws that she claims are hindering Alberta’s oil and gas industry by the time of the Grey Cup on November 16.

"I can tell you that we are hoping to have some kind of agreement with the prime minister, by Grey Cup, where he gives a clear indication that he’s prepared to address the nine laws that have created an investment climate that is hostile to private investment," Smith stated to reporters in Ottawa on Tuesday.

Her comments followed a brief meeting with Carney, who was preparing to leave for Washington, D.C. Smith did not disclose specifics from their discussion but expressed optimism about reaching an agreement on the so-called "bad laws." She did not clarify what actions might be taken if a deal is not reached by the Grey Cup.

Last spring, Smith indicated that the winner of the April federal election would need to repeal or significantly amend these laws, which include the electric vehicle mandate, the West Coast tanker ban, and the emissions cap, within the first six months of their term to prevent a potential national unity crisis.

Currently, the Carney government has paused the electric vehicle sales target for 2026 and is reportedly considering dropping the emissions cap in exchange for commitments from Alberta and the oil and gas sector to reduce emissions.

In a recent announcement, Smith revealed that her government plans to be the initial proponent of a new heavy oil pipeline to northwest British Columbia. She aims to submit an application for this project to the federal Major Projects Office by May 2026. The project's success will largely depend on whether the federal moratorium on tanker traffic along British Columbia's North Coast is lifted.

Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson did not provide a clear answer when asked if he would support lifting the tanker ban to facilitate the new pipeline, stating that it was a "hypothetical question right now, because there is no project before us."

Smith did not address Hodgson's comments directly but criticized British Columbia Premier David Eby, who labeled her pipeline announcement as "fictional." Smith described Eby’s remarks as "un-Canadian" and "unconstitutional," emphasizing that courts have ruled B.C. cannot unilaterally prevent Alberta oil from reaching the coast.

"The reason we have a country and (we’ve) trade and commerce power … to the federal government is for exactly this reason, so that a parochial premier isn’t able to block nation-building projects," Smith said.

Eby countered on Monday that a new coastal pipeline poses too great a risk to the Great Bear Rainforest and B.C.’s North Coast, which he described as one of the world’s "most precious and intact ecosystems." He also warned that reversing the tanker ban would be a "direct economic threat" to his province.

The Grey Cup will take place in Winnipeg, marking nearly six months since Carney appointed his first post-election cabinet in mid-May.