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10h ago

Ottawa, Alberta Set to Sign Energy MOU With Possible Northwest B.C. Pipeline Path

Federal openness hinges on Alberta serving as proponent under requirements for Indigenous consultation plus B.C. negotiations.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith holds a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. The prospect of Alberta holding a referendum to leave Canada triggered a wave of clickbait stories on video-sharing sites earlier this year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
British Columbia Premier David Eby, left, and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith at the Council of the Federation meetings in Halifax on July 16, 2024.
British Columbia Premier David Eby, right, gifts a bottle of B.C. wine to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith while speaking to reporters at the Council of the Federation meetings in Halifax on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is seen with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith at the start of a meeting in Ottawa, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025.

Overview

  • A senior federal source says Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith plan to sign the agreement Thursday, though the date could change.
  • The memorandum is expected to include language outlining a potential path forward for a northwest British Columbia oil pipeline.
  • Officials indicate Ottawa would only consider the project if Alberta leads as the proponent, conducts required Indigenous consultation, and negotiates with B.C.
  • B.C. Premier David Eby has publicly objected to being excluded from the talks, while Smith has pressed for cooperation to access tidewater.
  • The northern coast tanker moratorium remains a major obstacle, with limited exemptions or potential C-5 use under consideration, and no private builder has emerged as Alberta prepares a Major Projects Office application to attract a proponent.