New National Oil Pipeline
Ottawa and Alberta Fast-Track $44B Pacific Link Oil Pipeline as National Project
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Key Points
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The federal government estimates Pacific Link could add $30 billion to Canada’s GDP annually; Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said it could create up to 140,000 jobs across Alberta, British Columbia and the rest of Canada.
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The pipeline is not expected to open until at least 2032, according to the Toronto Sun’s report.
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The Major Projects Office, supported by the Canada Energy Regulator, is to lead the review and stakeholder consultations on project conditions, including local hiring and oversight.
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The southern route to Roberts Bank was selected after Carney said the oil-tanker ban in northern British Columbia would remain in place.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have declared the Pacific Link oil pipeline Canada's first project of national interest, fast-tracking its federal review under the Building Canada Act. The 1,200-kilometre pipeline would carry one million barrels of crude daily from Alberta to Roberts Bank near Delta, B.C., for export to Asian markets, Winnipeg Free Press reported.
The project carries a $35 billion to $44 billion price tag and could add $30 billion annually to Canada's GDP, according to federal estimates. Officials aim to finalize project conditions by September 2027, with construction potentially starting by 2032. Indigenous communities will be offered at least 10 per cent ownership stakes as part of the deal.
A Pipeline to Reduce U.S. Market Dependence
Currently, 90 per cent of Alberta's oil goes to the United States. Carney said Pacific Link will "materially reduce that dependence by allowing us to export an additional one million barrels a day to growing markets in Asia." The southern route to Roberts Bank was chosen after Carney confirmed the northern British Columbia oil-tanker ban would remain in place.
Over 80 per cent of the proposed route parallels existing infrastructure, limiting new corridor construction. Premier Smith called the decision proof of national unity, saying "Canada is ready to build." She estimated the project could create up to 140,000 construction jobs across Alberta, British Columbia, and the rest of Canada.
Economic Gains Versus Environmental Concerns
Federal projections show the pipeline could generate $100 billion in government revenues by 2060 and produce $265 billion in Alberta royalties over 50 years. Private sector partners, including Pembina Pipeline Corp., have signaled interest in participating. However, environmental groups quickly opposed the move.
Greenpeace Canada criticized the decision as "bulldozing environmental laws." Ecojustice warned that increased tanker traffic in the Salish Sea threatens southern resident killer whales and salmon ecosystems. The Wilderness Committee called it "Canada's most expensive extinction attempt," highlighting risks to vulnerable marine habitats.
Regulatory Fast-Track Under the Building Canada Act
The Building Canada Act gives the federal government power to replace fragmented permits under acts like the Fisheries Act with a single binding conditions document. The Major Projects Office, supported by the Canada Energy Regulator, will lead the review and stakeholder consultations by the September 2027 deadline.
The project's development is tied to commitments on carbon capture, carbon pricing, and environmental protections. A $10 billion federal expansion of Roberts Bank marine terminal in Delta, B.C., is also promised. The pipeline is not expected to open until at least 2032, Toronto Sun reported.
Timing Tied to Alberta Independence Vote
The designation comes as Alberta separatists prepare for an October vote on pursuing a binding independence referendum. The federal move signals strong support for Alberta's economic priorities at a politically sensitive moment. Trans Mountain Corp. and Alberta will split ownership of the pipeline, with Indigenous communities guaranteed a stake.
Carney expressed confidence that oilsands producers have the willingness to invest in expansion projects to fill the pipeline. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomed the decision, noting it provides the regulatory certainty needed to attract private capital for the massive infrastructure undertaking.
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