Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expects pipeline companies to propose new oil routes to British Columbia’s coast within weeks, but Canada’s largest crude shipper demands major policy changes before considering such projects.
Smith told Bloomberg on Tuesday that she has held active discussions with multiple energy firms about shipping Alberta crude to Pacific ports through a new pipeline that would test Ottawa’s fast-track approval process.
Enbridge Inc. (TSE: ENB), whose Northern Gateway project Ottawa previously canceled, responded cautiously to Smith’s aggressive timeline. The company says it requires comprehensive policy reforms covering environmental regulations and Indigenous consultation protocols before it will consider new coastal routes.
University of Calgary policy expert Richard Masson warns against betting on a single option facing multiple obstacles. He predicts disappointment if the strategy fails to materialize.
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Ottawa continues enforcing its ban on oil tankers along northern British Columbia waters despite persistent lobbying from Alberta officials.
Environmental groups maintain fierce opposition. Stand.Earth campaigner Anna Barford calls pipeline discussions synonymous with tanker traffic, which conservation groups reject entirely.
Even under optimal circumstances, preliminary engineering and consultation work would require several years before companies could submit formal proposals, pushing any construction far beyond Smith’s expectations.
Smith announced her pipeline push alongside plans for a panel exploring Alberta’s relationship with Canada, as polls show growing separatist sentiment among provincial residents. On Wednesday, she announced the launch of the Alberta Next panel, which will conduct public meetings and recommend proposals for voter consideration in 2026 referendums.
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