Carney lists West Coast pipeline as project of national interest, fast-tracks regulatory process - National Post

Premier Danielle Smith was joined by Prime Minister Mark Carney was in Red Deer, north of Calgary on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Photo by Brent Calver /PostmediaArticle contentOTTAWA – Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Thursday that his government has listed a proposed West Coast oil pipeline, now known as “Pacific Link,” as a project of national interest that will enter a fast-tracked regulatory process.

“Our government was elected to change things, to build Canada strong, and we’re doing just that,” said Carney, during a press conference in Fort McMurray, Alta.

“Canada will remain a country of high standards, but high standards do not require slow decisions,” he added.

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The Government of Alberta submitted the proposed pipeline project to the Major Projects Office (MPO), to be considered in the national interest under the Building Canada Act. The proposed route will run 1,200 kilometres from Bruderheim, Alta., to a proposed large-tanker port in Roberts Bank, B.C.

Following Alberta’s submission on July 1, the MPO spent the last three months consulting with more than 130 Indigenous communities who are near the potential route, as well as the Government of British Columbia.

The MPO will begin its review of the project in early 2027, with public hearings held by the commission of the Canada Energy Regulator. The MPO is expected to finalize a conditions document by Sept. 1, 2027.

Government officials speaking on background said that as the regulatory process progresses, open season on the pipeline is expected in the spring of 2027, which is a period in which a pipeline operator seeks binding commitments from shippers for capacity on a proposed new pipeline.

Carney was asked if he has received any assurances from oil sands companies that they will invest in the expansion of their operations, in order to fill the pipeline.