US EditionDanielle Smith narrows Alberta oil pipeline options, potentially complicating route to B.C. coast
Alberta excludes Kitimat as pipeline exit, focusing on Prince Rupert and Vancouver to balance indigenous support, tanker bans, and economic feasibility for Asian market access.
- On Thursday, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith confirmed Kitimat, B.C. is excluded as a pipeline exit, while the southern B.C. coast remains possible with Prince Rupert, B.C. preferred and Vancouver, B.C. still considered.
- Prioritizing a deep-water port, the committee seeks minimal navigation to access Asian markets while ensuring marine-response capability and Indigenous jobs.
- Industry and officials signalled support for Prince Rupert, with Smith noting Vancouver's capacity concerns and Rajan Sawhney saying some Indigenous communities quietly support the project.
- An oil tanker ban is in effect on the north coast, and several north coast First Nations want it maintained; the Memorandum of Understanding between Alberta and Ottawa allows adjustment if designated in the national interest, with the federal government weighing factors.
- Prioritising market access, the province is weighing navigation risks by citing Trans Mountain's impact while ruling out Kitimat and Northern Gateway's routing complexity as a caution.
9 Articles
9 Articles
What happens if Indigenous groups don't support Alberta's desired bitumen pipeline?
The push for Alberta's desired bitumen pipeline project to the northwest coast of B.C. continues, but as the province moves forward with its consultation with First Nations groups, what happens when that period ends?
Carney, Smith Say They Are Open to Alternate Pipeline Routes From Alberta to BC
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith say the proposed oil pipeline from Alberta to British Columbia does not have to go to B.C.’s northwest coast, as they are open to exploring alternate pipeline routes. Alberta and Ottawa signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Nov. 27, 2025, establishing a framework to explore the development of one or more privately financed oil pipelines to Canada’s West Coast, potentially capa…
The City of Kitimat, British Columbia, would be "excluded" from a pipeline project from Alberta to the British Columbia coast.
Vancouver remains on the table for Alberta’s proposed pipeline
Pressed on whether a new pipeline must cut through B.C.’s northwest, Premier Danielle Smith declined to give a direct answer, opting instead to describe what her technical advisory committee is looking for as it prepares a pitch for the federal government.
The Toronto Star
Danielle Smith narrows Alberta oil pipeline options, potentially complicating route to B.C. coast
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith eliminated one route for her province’s proposed oil pipeline to the B.C. coast Thursday, which could make the contentious project even more difficult to build.
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