Alberta is pressing ahead with plans for a new oil pipeline that would connect to the West Coast, possibly bringing the pipeline to Prince Rupert. Premier Danielle Smith has made the project a key part of Alberta’s strategy to diversify its oil export markets and reduce its reliance on the U.S. for oil shipments. However, Smith argues that for the project to succeed, the federal tanker ban along the West Coast would need to be lifted, and she’s committed to working with First Nations communities to make the project more inclusive.
This pipeline could have a significant economic impact on both Alberta and B.C. The Alberta government is proposing a “grand bargain” with Ottawa and the oil industry to offset environmental concerns through major investments in carbon capture and storage, which would help reduce emissions.
But the proposal doesn’t come without hurdles. B.C. Premier David Eby has been an outspoken opponent of oil pipelines, raising concerns about the potential risks to the environment. While Smith is confident in the economic benefits of the project for the region, it remains unclear if the pipeline will gain enough support to move forward. Local concerns about its potential impact on Prince Rupert’s environment and economy are sure to continue.
