Alberta and Ontario have signed two new agreements aimed at expanding oil and gas pipelines, building trade infrastructure, and rolling back federal policies the provinces say are stifling investment and growth.Premier Danielle Smith and Premier Doug Ford formalized the memorandums of understanding during Ford’s visit to the Calgary Stampede. The deals commit both provinces to expanding interprovincial trade, building new rail lines, ports, and pipelines, and developing energy corridors to link Alberta’s oil, gas and critical minerals with global markets..The premiers also called for repealing or amending several federal laws and regulations they say unfairly target Canada’s energy sector. These include the Impact Assessment Act, the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, the Clean Electricity Regulations, and the proposed Oil and Gas Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap.The first agreement outlines support for new infrastructure projects connecting Alberta to Ontario, including pipeline and rail expansion, port development in James Bay and southern Ontario, and full supply chain buildout for refining and processing Alberta’s energy exports. The two provinces will also collaborate on advancing nuclear energy to meet growing demand for reliable and affordable electricity..The second agreement includes Alberta’s plan to consider prioritizing made-in-Canada vehicles for its government fleet and a pledge from both provinces to reduce trade barriers around liquor products.“In the face of President Trump’s tariffs and ongoing economic uncertainty, Canadians need to work together to build the infrastructure that will diversify our trading partners,” said Ford. “Together, we are building the infrastructure we need to protect Canada, our workers, businesses and communities.”Smith said the MOUs represent a shared goal of “getting shovels in the ground and resources to market,” and called for governments to “get out of the way” and let industry lead economic growth.The agreements build on earlier partnerships Alberta has signed with Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories and the Port of Prince Rupert. Steering committees will now be formed to carry out the agreements and launch a joint feasibility study later in 2025 to help advance private sector-led rail, pipeline and port projects.
