Alberta launches northwest pipeline public info hub

Alberta is moving full steam ahead on its plan for an oil pipeline to Canada’s northwest coast, launching a new public webpage to advance the critical project.

Source: Adobe Stock

Author: Isaac Lamoureux

Alberta is moving full steam ahead on its plan for an oil pipeline to Canada’s northwest coast, launching a new public webpage to advance the critical project following last month’s memorandum of understanding with Ottawa.

The province says the new webpage will serve as a central hub for information on the proposed pipeline, including economic benefits and engagement with Indigenous communities, as it works toward submitting an application to the federal Major Projects Office on or before July 1.

When the province announced the pipeline on October 1, 2025, it clarified that it would only act as a proponent until the formal application is approved, after which private investors are expected to take over.

In a statement announcing the launch, Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean said the website is intended to provide transparency as the project moves forward.

“We remain committed to evidence-based planning and collaboration as we lead the way in advancing the Northwest Coast Oil Pipeline submission. With the launch of this new webpage, we’re providing a transparent, accessible platform for everyone in Canada to stay informed,” Jean said.

The government said the initial phase of the project will focus on early dialogue with Indigenous communities, identifying a potential route, assessing costs, and demonstrating market demand and economic viability. The province argues this groundwork is necessary to attract private investment and build the project in partnership with Indigenous communities.

Alberta’s announcement came the same day Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre warned Carney that incoming Venezuelan oil reserves to the market heightened the need to build a West Coast pipeline.

He also explained that just because Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Carney signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on energy infrastructure, carbon-reduction projects and regulatory reforms, it doesn’t mean construction will occur.

“Your Memorandum of Understanding with the Premier of Alberta commits only to referring a potential pipeline to a new federal office for further consideration, meaning years of additional process, delay, and uncertainty. After nearly a decade of Liberal obstruction, Canadians have no reason to trust that this leads to construction,” said Poilievre.

While the Alberta legislature endorsed a pipeline deal, a similar federal motion failed in the House of Commons, defeated by Liberal, Bloc Québécois and NDP MPs.

Despite the setback, the province remains optimistic. The Alberta government’s press release explained that the project would increase access to Asian markets and reduce reliance on the U.S. It would also create billions in economic opportunities across numerous provinces.

Canada holds the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserves and is the fourth-largest global oil producer. Net export receipts from crude oil have increased from $6 billion in 2000 to $130 billion in 2024. The government says these figures underscore the importance of additional export capacity.

Three companies—South Bow, Enbridge and Trans Mountain—are participating in a technical advisory group supporting the early planning work.

The government says further updates on engagement, technical planning and regulatory steps will be posted to the site as the project advances.