CALGARY — In a bold move to strengthen Canada’s internal economy and reduce reliance on U.S. trade, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have signed two new Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to advance energy and trade infrastructure that connects East and West — and opens new global markets for Canadian resources.
The agreements, announced in Calgary on Monday, include plans for new pipelines, rail lines, and energy corridors that would transport Ontario’s critical minerals and Western Canada’s oil and gas to both domestic and international markets. A central focus is on leveraging Ontario-made steel and building a new deep-sea port in James Bay, as part of a broader plan to establish an end-to-end critical minerals supply chain.
Today, Premier @ABDanielleSmith and I signed an historic agreement to support new nation-building pipelines, rail lines and ports, built with Ontario steel to open new markets for Canadian energy and critical minerals around the globe.
Working together as Canadians, we’re making… pic.twitter.com/vdotJZ13G7
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) July 7, 2025
Energy + Trade Corridors to Redefine Canada’s Internal Economy
Under the agreements:
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New pipelines will connect Alberta’s oil and gas resources to refineries in southern Ontario
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New rail lines will link the Ring of Fire mining region to western Canadian ports
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Infrastructure will be built using Ontario steel, boosting manufacturing and industrial jobs
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The provinces will cooperate on new nuclear energy development, including small modular and large-scale reactors
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Ontario and Alberta will work to promote interprovincial liquor sales and made-in-Canada vehicles for public fleets
Premier Smith emphasized that it’s time to “get shovels in the ground” and called for governments to remove red tape to allow industry to lead.
“These MOUs are about building pipelines and boosting trade that connect Canadian energy and products to the world,” said Premier Smith. “Government must get out of the way and support the projects this country needs to grow.”
Feasibility Study + Indigenous Consultation Ahead
The two provinces will launch a joint feasibility study to determine the best routes and endpoints for new energy and trade corridors. The study will also explore financing models and identify how to best leverage domestic supply chains. Both governments committed to fulfilling their duty to consult with Indigenous communities, including new funding to help First Nations become equity partners in major projects.
Federal Advocacy and Interprovincial Progress
Ontario and Alberta are jointly advocating for a federal regulatory environment that encourages private investment in energy and infrastructure — a direct response to growing concerns over President Trump’s tariffs and Canada’s dependence on the U.S. market.
“The time is now to send President Trump a message,” said Ontario Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce. “Canadians are ready to move with speed to protect our economy and sovereignty.”
Monday’s announcement builds on Ontario’s June MOU with Alberta, and follows the province’s recent passage of the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, making Ontario the first jurisdiction to remove all its party-specific exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.
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