Canada approves new west‑coast oil pipeline to cut US reliance

The Canadian federal government and Alberta premier announced a joint project to build a new oil pipeline from Alberta to the southern coast of British Columbia. The line, dubbed the West Coast oil pipeline, is planned to transport about one million barrels of crude per day to a deep‑water terminal for shipment to Asian markets, reducing Canada’s reliance on the United States for oil exports.

The project will be led by the federal‑owned Trans Mountain Corporation with private‑sector participation from Pembina Pipeline, which will hold an initial 10 % equity stake. Estimated costs range from CAD 35.2 billion to CAD 43.7 billion. The government has pledged to fast‑track the proposal through the Major Projects Office, aiming for construction to start as early as 2027.

Indigenous consultation will begin immediately, and a carbon‑capture “Pathways” initiative is tied to the pipeline to offset emissions. Environmental groups warn of increased greenhouse‑gas output and spill risks, while the province of British Columbia maintains its oil‑tanker moratorium on the northern coast, directing the new export route to a southern terminal.

Politically, the pipeline seeks to diversify Canada’s export markets amid trade tensions with the United States and to generate long‑term revenue and jobs for Alberta and the federal treasury.