CALGARY — Alberta’s proposed Pacific Link oil pipeline has been designated a project of national interest under the Building Canada Act, advancing a west coast export route the provincial government says could generate more than $265 billion in additional royalties over its operating life.Premier Danielle Smith welcomed the designation, calling it a significant victory for Alberta and Canada’s energy future.The proposed pipeline would carry one million barrels of oil a day to Canada’s west coast, expanding access to buyers across the Asia-Pacific region.“This listing sends a clear message: Canada is ready to build again,” Smith said in a statement.“We are ready to harness our strengths, seize new opportunities and deliver the nation-building infrastructure our prosperity depends on.”The Major Projects Office will work with the Canada Energy Regulator through a streamlined review process to issue a conditions document by September 1, 2027. According to the provincial government, construction can begin after that document is issued.Alberta is advancing the project through the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Corporation, working with the federal government through Trans Mountain Corporation and with Pembina Pipeline Corporation..Ford, Smith discuss US trade war, national unity, and pipelines at Calgary energy conference.Trans Mountain will develop, build and operate the pipeline on behalf of the project’s proponents.The provincial government projects construction could support up to 140,000 jobs at its peak, primarily in Alberta and British Columbia. Operations, additional oil production, maintenance and trade could support another 50,000 jobs annually.Alberta also estimates Pacific Link would add more than $20 billion a year to Canada’s GDP once operational.The province’s Treasury Board and Finance department estimates increased oil production to supply the pipeline would generate more than $265 billion in additional Alberta royalties over an operating life of roughly 50 years or longer.Smith said that revenue would help pay for schools, hospitals and other essential services.“For too long, people across Canada have watched investment leave, projects stall and opportunities slip away,” she said.“Today, we are turning the page.”Smith said indigenous participation and ownership would remain central to the project as proponents work to advance it.“Working together, we have an opportunity to create lasting prosperity through meaningful participation, ownership and shared success,” she said.The premier also framed the designation as evidence of renewed cooperation between Alberta and Ottawa, with a focus on jobs, economic growth and expanded access to international energy markets.“Our allies and trading partners are looking to Canada for secure, responsibly produced energy, and Alberta is ready to help deliver it,” Smith said.The Alberta government says it will continue working with indigenous communities, industry partners and Ottawa to move Pacific Link toward construction....more to come
