Alberta is making a push for a new pipeline to British Columbia’s coast, sparking renewed debate involving key political figures.
Jason Kenney, a former Alberta premier, finds himself back in the spotlight as discussions around building a new pipeline echo past disputes, particularly the Trans Mountain Pipeline (TMX) expansion in Burnaby.
British Columbia’s response remains firm, with current Premier David Eby reiterating the province’s stance against the project, emphasizing the need for substantial financial commitments from the Alberta and federal Canadian governments.
Kenney has accused Eby of jeopardizing national unity by opposing pipelines, arguing that this ideological stance contradicts Canada’s legal framework and poses a more significant threat to the country than the Alberta separatist movement.
In a recent development, Alberta’s current Premier, Danielle Smith, has unveiled plans to spearhead an application for a pipeline project to the West Coast. Collaborating with representatives from Cenovus Energy and an advisory group comprised of Indigenous partners and major pipeline companies, Smith aims to initiate the planning process for an oil pipeline proposal, with an initial investment of $14 million from the Alberta government.
Despite the optimism surrounding the new project, analysts at CIBC express skepticism about its success. While acknowledging the project’s potential benefits and the credibility of the advisory committee, they highlight various challenges on both political and economic fronts that could hinder its progress.