The Alberta government is set to formally apply to the federal Major Projects Office for a new bitumen pipeline running to the northwest coast of British Columbia. The province disclosed on Wednesday its commitment of $14 million towards the proposal and its role as the lead proponent, overseeing a “technical advisory group” that includes Enbridge, South Bow, and Trans Mountain. While these pipeline companies are part of the advisory group, their involvement in the project’s execution is not guaranteed.
At present, no specific pipeline route has been put forth, with the task of identifying potential routes forming a crucial part of the upcoming provincial initiative. Alberta has informed both the federal and British Columbia governments about its intentions. Notably, several Indigenous groups, such as the Fort McKay First Nation and the National Coalition of Chiefs, have already participated in the project discussions.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith emphasized that the pipeline application signifies more than mere infrastructure development; it aims to unlock Canada’s economic potential comprehensively. The province’s decision to act as the primary applicant stems from the hesitance of private industry to invest in such a project given current federal regulations, particularly the 2019 restrictions on oil tankers in northern British Columbia waters.
Alberta’s objective is to eventually secure a private sector entity or consortium to construct and operate the new bitumen pipeline. Larry Kaumeyer, Alberta’s deputy minister of energy, expressed confidence in attracting private sector interest and clarified that the province has no intention to directly manage the pipeline.
The application submission to the Major Projects Office is anticipated in the spring of 2026. This move follows extensive dialogue between federal and provincial authorities and private sector entities regarding major project proposals to bolster national infrastructure development. Earlier discussions by Alberta Premier Smith hinted at efforts to engage a private-sector entity for a significant crude oil pipeline project, with expectations of a proposal emerging shortly.
While specific project proposals were not unveiled during the summer, the federal government announced the establishment of its Major Projects Office headquarters in Calgary in August. Dawn Farrell, former Trans Mountain Corporation board chair, was appointed as the CEO of the new office. Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted five “nation-building” projects to be expedited, although an Alberta-based initiative was not included in the initial list, which notably omitted an oil pipeline project.