Overview
- Speaking in Paris, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada is working to expand oil sales in Asia and is working toward a potential pipeline to the Pacific coast.
- Carney linked the effort to a recently signed comprehensive memorandum of understanding with Alberta focused on market access and infrastructure.
- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the province is preparing an application to the federal Major Projects Management Office and expects Ottawa to act with urgency.
- Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre urged Carney in a public letter to immediately approve a pipeline to the Pacific Coast.
- The push follows concerns that Venezuelan heavy crude could compete in U.S. refineries, though Carney said Canadian oil remains competitive because it is lower risk, lower cost and lower carbon.