National News

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith addresses the Global Business Forum in Banff, Alta., Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025.

THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Alberta re-enters pipeline arena, plans to propose new oil pipeline to B.C. coast

By The Canadian Press

Published 12:45 PDT, Wed October 1, 2025

Last Updated: 2:37 PDT, Wed October 1, 2025

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Premier Danielle Smith says Alberta is committing $14 million to kick-start a proposed new oil pipeline to the West Coast, putting it on a collision course with the federal government’s B.C. tanker ban.

It’s a project Smith hails as the fulfilment of a higher duty to humanity, while her B.C. counterpart characterizes it as half-baked political gamesmanship.

“What stands before us right now is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock our wealth and resources and become a world-leading energy superpower,” Smith told a news conference in Calgary to announce the project.

“The world wants more Canadian oil and gas,” she added.

“There are billions of people around the world living in energy poverty who demand a higher standard of living.

“This is not just a question of Alberta’s energy. It is a global, moral imperative.”

The proposal is to be filed to the new federal Major Projects Office, which aims to speed along developments deemed in the national interest. A submission is expected in the spring of next year.

Alberta plans to develop the project with the backing of an advisory group that includes three major Canadian crude pipeline operators: Enbridge Inc., Trans Mountain Corp. and South Bow Corp.

The province is putting up $14 million to fund the work, but Smith stressed Alberta taxpayers won't pay to build the pipeline itself.

B.C. Premier David Eby told reporters Smith doesn’t have a real project.

“Premier Smith continues to advance a project that is entirely taxpayer funded, has no private sector proponent," he said.

Eby said he’s still willing to work with Alberta on projects “that have real private sector backing, that aren’t entirely taxpayer-funded wedge politics.”

The proposal to put the terminus on the northwest B.C. coast would also violate a federal ban on tanker traffic in the area.

Smith said that ban, along with other federal measures that have proven to be deal-breakers on energy projects, will have to be addressed.

“I'm anticipating that they will make either a repeal of that legislation or acknowledge that the port that we need to export from needs to have some kind of carve-out," said Smith.

"I think it's worth it to have the conversation."

In Ottawa, federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said Prime Minister Mark Carney needs to “get out of the way,” by dealing with the federal greenhouse gas emissions cap and the tanker ban so a pipeline can finally be built.

“This is an incredible opportunity. I hope that it’s a pipeline that ships a million barrels a day,” said Poilievre.

The $14 million is to cover costs of planning the line, determining the possible route and other specifics.

Alberta's previous foray into the pipeline arena was back in 2021, investing $1.3 billion to back up the Keystone XL pipeline project. It was eventually scrapped after then-U.S. president Joe Biden pulled its permit.

Smith stressed the deal must have Indigenous participation every step of the way.

The province provided supportive statements from the chief of the Fort McKay First Nation in the oilsands region of northern Alberta and the president of the National Coalition of Chiefs.

“True partnership means listening to Indigenous voices, respecting our lands and ensuring our people share in the benefits,” said Fort McKay Chief Raymond Powder.

Dale Swampy, president of the chiefs coalition, said oil and gas participation can be a way to drive economic reconciliation.

“We are happy that Alberta is leading an effort to get another pipeline to the West Coast, and we are especially happy that they have decided to engage with Indigenous nations in B.C. and Alberta right from the very beginning of the process.”

– Lauren Krugel, The Canadian Press