Premier Scott Moe has expressed his backing for Alberta’s recent pipeline proposition, stressing that decisions should not be subject to approval from any entity outside the federal government.
“It’s not the B.C. coast; it belongs to Canada. The ports are not exclusive to B.C.; they are Canadian ports,” he stated, responding to remarks by B.C. Premier David Eby and various B.C. Indigenous groups who expressed reservations about the proposed initiative. “As a Canadian, I feel equally entitled to those ports.”
Moe asserted that if the nation is serious about broadening its economic scope beyond the U.S., “there is no better project than this.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith disclosed on Wednesday that her province intends to formulate and present an application to the federal Major Projects Office for a new pipeline to convey bitumen from Alberta to the northwest coast of British Columbia.
The proposal entails Alberta committing $14 million and spearheading a “technical advisory group” comprising pipeline firms such as Enbridge, South Bow, and Trans Mountain. Alberta aims to eventually secure a private entity or consortium of companies to undertake the pipeline construction.
While a specific route for the pipeline has not been outlined yet, the province is anticipated to submit its application by the spring of 2026.
The initial announcement by Alberta triggered a mixed response nationwide. B.C. Premier David Eby criticized the plan as vague and overly reliant on government backing.
Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre endorsed the pipeline proposal, advocating for minimal federal interference, emphasizing that private investors should spearhead the project due to its profitability.
Several Indigenous leaders in B.C. expressed opposition to the project, with Marilyn Slett, president of the Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative and chief of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council, stating that her community opposes lifting the moratorium on oil tankers along the northern B.C. coast.
The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs echoed similar sentiments, with Grand Chief Stewart Phillip contending that the pipeline would infringe on the inherent rights of First Nations.
Premier Moe dismissed the idea that B.C. groups or leaders would hold veto power over the project but reiterated the importance of consulting with Indigenous communities.
Prime Minister Mark Carney recently unveiled the initial wave of “nation-building” projects to be expedited by the federal government. Among these projects is Saskatchewan’s McIlvenna Bay Foran Copper Mine Project, which is nearing completion and is set to commence operations in 2026.
Federal Minister for Energy and Resources Tim Hodgson hinted at more upcoming project announcements, with Premier Moe mentioning various mining ventures in the province, including uranium mines. Notably, he expressed keen interest in a proposed “port-to-port” pipeline corridor linking Prince Rupert in B.C. to Churchill, Man., on the Hudson Bay coast, an idea highlighted at a meeting of western premiers earlier this year.
