Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has expressed her support for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s latest selection of major projects for potential expedited approval. Carney recently revealed a second set of seven significant energy and infrastructure ventures to be considered by the government’s major projects office. These projects include a nickel mine in northern Ontario, a hydroelectric scheme in Iqaluit, and both a transmission line and an LNG project in northwest British Columbia. Two mineral mines in Quebec and New Brunswick were also included in the list.
Despite her advocacy, Smith’s proposed bitumen pipeline did not make the cut. She confirmed ongoing negotiations with Ottawa regarding the matter. Smith emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement with the federal government to address inhibitory legislation affecting private investment in the energy sector and to advance the approval process for the bitumen pipeline to Asian markets.
Discussions between Smith and Carney’s government are nearing a resolution, with a decision expected in the coming days. Smith had aimed to secure an agreement before the upcoming Canadian Football League Grey Cup, but Carney indicated that further discussions are required in the following weeks. Carney stressed the significance of aligning Alberta’s investments with the energy sector’s future needs.
Carney underlined the necessity of enhancing Alberta’s carbon market and regulations for increased investment certainty. Meanwhile, British Columbia Premier David Eby expressed frustration over Smith’s pipeline proposal, emphasizing the absence of a clear route, proponent, or project. Despite ongoing discussions, none of the projects referred to the Major Projects Office by Carney has yet received a national interest designation, which would entail special treatment to facilitate their progression.
The Major Projects Office is responsible for reviewing and providing recommendations on the selected projects, with the government having the final authority on designating them as being in the national interest.