“A new bitumen pipeline is the answer to many issues Alberta and Canada is facing today, including economic reconciliation, job creation, revenue generation and economic growth. We have the most responsibly produced oil in the world, and the world wants it,” said Alberta Energy Minister Brian Jean recently, pushing for a 1-million-barrel-per-day pipeline from the oilsands to Prince Rupert, B.C., to diversify exports amid U.S. tariff threats.
Premier Danielle Smith, echoing Jean, framed the pipeline as a “grand bargain” with Ottawa, tying it to the $16.5-billion Pathways Alliance carbon capture project to cut emissions. Speaking at June’s Global Energy Show, she projected $14 trillion in long-term oilsands value and $20 billion in annual revenue, leveraging Alberta’s Bitumen Royalty-in-Kind program for anchor volumes.
Industry analysts estimate construction costs at $15-20 billion, citing inflation and parallels to the Trans Mountain Expansion’s $30-billion overrun.
Jean highlighted job creation and Indigenous partnerships, but B.C. Premier David Eby opposes the route, citing environmental risks and Bill C-48’s tanker ban.
Smith criticized federal barriers like the emissions cap and Bill C-69, warning of stranded resources and national unity risks. With Asian demand rising, Jean noted “imminent” private proposals from firms like TC Energy.