Alberta to announce major West Coast oil pipeline plan

The Alberta government, led by Premier Danielle Smith, will make a major announcement on July 2 about a proposed one‑million‑barrel‑per‑day oil pipeline to a West Coast export terminal. The details will be submitted to the federal Major Projects Office, which fast‑tracks infrastructure deemed a national interest. The province hopes the project will be designated a national‑interest project by October and that construction could begin as early as September 2027.

Federal support is tied to the Pathways carbon‑capture and storage project, which is intended to offset emissions from increased oilsands production. The pipeline’s fate depends on the five largest oilsands producers committing as shippers, despite higher climate‑related costs and the industrial carbon tax. Investors have shown limited interest, and route options remain under discussion, including a northern B.C. path to Prince Rupert or a southern route alongside the existing Trans‑Mountain line.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is traveling to Alberta for Canada Day and has indicated close contact with Smith, while the province prepares for an October referendum that includes a question on remaining in Canada. The outcome could influence the pipeline’s political viability.