Key facts
- Canada and Alberta governments approved a new oil pipeline to the Pacific coast.
- The pipeline will have a capacity of 1 million barrels per day.
- The Canadian federal government and Alberta government will be majority owners.
- Pembina will hold a 10% stake in the project.
- The pipeline's terminus is in southwestern British Columbia, while a tanker ban remains on the North Coast.
The governments of Canada and Alberta have announced plans to move forward with a new oil pipeline to the Pacific coast, aiming to increase Canada's energy export capacity to Asia. Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a C$150 billion investment package to address concerns from British Columbia and First Nations, including port expansion and power infrastructure for an LNG terminal. The new pipeline, which will follow the route of the existing Trans Mountain pipeline before diverting to a new terminal, is set to transport 1 million barrels per day. Canada and Alberta will be equal partners, with Indigenous communities having a meaningful ownership stake. The federal tanker ban on British Columbia's north coast will remain in place, meaning the pipeline's terminus will be in southwestern British Columbia. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith supported the southern route as the most cost-effective expansion path, while British Columbia Premier David Eby indicated his government would not oppose the project after a previous court battle loss. Coastal First Nations president Marilyn Slett welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of protecting the coast.