Canada Alberta West Coast Pipeline Moves to Federal Review
CALGARY — The federal and Alberta governments have unveiled plans for a new west coast oil pipeline that would transport up to one million barrels of oil per day to international markets, marking one of the most significant energy infrastructure announcements in recent Canadian history.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced July 2 that Ottawa will refer Alberta’s proposed pipeline to the Major Projects Office (MPO), beginning the federal review process for what the government says could become a project of national interest under the Building Canada Act.
The proposal also includes a parallel agreement to advance the Pathways Project, a large-scale carbon capture and storage initiative intended to reduce emissions from Alberta’s oil sands sector.
Pipeline to Follow Existing Corridor
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the proposed pipeline would largely follow the existing Trans Mountain corridor while complying with the federal Oil Tanker Moratorium Act.
Canada and Alberta will each hold equal ownership stakes in the project, while a meaningful equity stake will be reserved for Indigenous partners. Consultations with Indigenous communities are expected to begin immediately.
Pembina Pipeline Corporation will participate as a private-sector investor, contributing technical expertise, while Trans Mountain Corporation will lead project development.
Federal officials said the partnership represents a collaborative approach involving governments, industry and Indigenous communities to expand Canada’s access to global energy markets.
Canada has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a global energy superpower.
We’re seizing it. In partnership with Alberta, Indigenous Peoples, and industry, we’re building a stronger Canada for all. pic.twitter.com/mg8NVWouAL
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) July 3, 2026
Major Projects Office Begins Review
The Major Projects Office will now begin consultations with Indigenous communities, provinces and territories to determine whether the project should be designated as one of national interest under the Building Canada Act.
If approved for listing, the pipeline would undergo a streamlined federal review process while remaining subject to environmental standards and consultation requirements.
The federal government said British Columbia will also be engaged throughout the review process.
Carbon Capture Project Included
Alongside the pipeline announcement, Ottawa, Alberta and the Oil Sands Alliance confirmed an agreement to move forward with the Pathways Project.
The proposed carbon capture and storage network is expected to reduce emissions by approximately 16 million tonnes annually once operational.
The agreement builds on previous commitments between Canada and Alberta to reduce methane emissions and streamline environmental assessment processes for major infrastructure projects.
Economic Impact
The federal government estimates that the combined pipeline and Pathways Project could generate approximately 175,000 jobs across Alberta, British Columbia and the rest of Canada.
Officials say the initiatives are expected to stimulate more than $200 billion in new investment while expanding export capacity and supporting Indigenous economic participation through equity ownership, contracting opportunities, training and employment.
The Pathways Project alone is projected to contribute more than $16 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product while supporting more than 40,000 jobs annually, according to government estimates.
Broader Energy Strategy
The announcement forms part of a broader federal strategy to strengthen Canada’s energy security, diversify export markets and accelerate nationally significant infrastructure projects.
The government also announced a new Canada-British Columbia Cooperative Prosperity Agreement aimed at supporting additional energy and trade corridor development.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Major Projects Office is now advancing 23 nation-building projects across sectors including nuclear energy, liquefied natural gas, critical minerals and transportation infrastructure, representing more than $135 billion in planned investment.
Prime Minister Carney said the initiative reflects Canada’s goal of becoming a leading global supplier of both conventional and clean energy.
Premier Danielle Smith welcomed the announcement, calling the proposed pipeline a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen Alberta’s economy and improve Canada’s access to international markets.
The project will now proceed through the federal review and consultation process before any construction decisions are made.
Source: Prime Minister’s Office, July 2, 2026.
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