Premier Scott Moe has expressed his backing for Alberta’s latest pipeline proposition, stressing that no external group, apart from the federal government, should hold veto power over the decision-making process.
Asserting his stance, Moe stated, “There is no B.C. coast; it’s Canada’s coast. There are no B.C. ports; they are Canada’s ports,” in response to remarks made by B.C. Premier David Eby and various B.C. Indigenous groups expressing reservations about the proposed initiative. Moe emphasized feeling equally responsible for the ports as a Canadian citizen.
Highlighting the importance of diversifying the country’s economy away from the U.S., Moe emphasized that “there’s no project that can accomplish this as effectively as this one.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith disclosed on Wednesday that her province intends to formulate and submit an application to the federal Major Projects Office for a new pipeline aimed at transporting bitumen from Alberta to the northwest coast of British Columbia.
Under the proposal, Alberta plans to allocate $14 million towards the project and lead a “technical advisory group” comprising pipeline companies such as Enbridge, South Bow, and Trans Mountain. The ultimate goal is to secure a private company or consortium to undertake the pipeline construction.
Although a specific route for the pipeline has not yet been proposed, the province is anticipated to submit its application in the spring of 2026.
Following Alberta’s initial announcement, reactions from various quarters across the country varied. B.C. Premier David Eby criticized the plan as vague and overly reliant on government backing.
Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre expressed his support for the proposed pipeline, advocating for the federal government to step aside and allow private investors to take charge, citing their significant profitability.
Despite some opposition, including from Indigenous leaders in B.C., who raised concerns about the project’s impact on their lands and waters, Moe dismissed the notion that groups or political figures from B.C. could veto the project. He reiterated the importance of consulting with Indigenous groups in the decision-making process.
Looking ahead, more projects are on the horizon, with Federal Minister for Energy and Resources Tim Hodgson hinting at forthcoming project announcements. Moe mentioned his interest in several mining projects within the province, including uranium mines, but highlighted a “port-to-port” pipeline corridor connecting Prince Rupert in B.C. with Churchill, Man., as a significant project of interest discussed at a previous western premiers’ meeting.
