The Alberta government is set to reveal specifics on Thursday about its plan to construct a new oil pipeline connecting to the West Coast. Initially, the province had until July 1 to submit the proposal to the federal Major Projects Office under a memorandum of understanding signed with Ottawa last fall.
However, due to the Canada Day holiday and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s scheduled speech in Edmonton, the announcement has been delayed by a day. The collaboration between the province and Ottawa in making this announcement is seen as an effort to improve their relationship, according to Ryan McKinnell, a political science professor at MacEwan University.
The proposed pipeline is aimed at enhancing Canada’s energy independence and global competitiveness, as stated by the Alberta government. The announcement coincides with the provincial government’s upcoming fall referendum, which will include questions on the Constitution, immigration, and separation.
Despite potential alignment between both governments on the pipeline issue, it may not fully address the growing frustrations expressed by Alberta’s separatists, noted McKinnell. Ottawa’s backing for the pipeline is tied to the Pathways carbon capture and storage project to offset emissions from increased oil production.
The agreement between Ottawa and Alberta calls for the privately funded construction of the pipeline, although no specific private proponent has been identified yet. B.C. Premier David Eby has raised concerns regarding his province’s involvement in the pipeline discussions and the potential lifting of the oil tanker ban on B.C.’s north coast.
Jesse Cardinal, an advocate for the environment, criticized the Alberta government for not disclosing the full implications of the proposed project, including water usage, cleanup costs, and health impacts. She highlighted environmental concerns related to tailings in the Athabasca River and emphasized the need for proper consultation with Indigenous groups.
The Alberta government aims for the project to be recognized as being in the national interest by the federal government by October.