Canada has initiated the federal review of Alberta's west coast oil pipeline, paving the way for increased crude exports to Asia.
Canada has moved Alberta's proposed one million barrel-per-day west coast oil pipeline into its federal major projects process, setting up a new route for crude exports to Asia, reported Saint Petersburg's PortNews.
Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that the plan will be reviewed by the Major Projects Office to determine if it qualifies as a national interest project under the Building Canada Act by 1 October 2026. The pipeline would carry heavy crude from Bruderheim, Alberta, to a marine terminal in southern British Columbia, largely following the Trans Mountain corridor.
The ownership group is expected to include Trans Mountain Corp, the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission, and Pembina Pipeline Corp. Trans Mountain will lead development and operation, while Pembina will hold a 10 percent interest during construction with an option to increase once commercial operations begin.
Consultations with Indian tribes, provinces, and territories are set to begin immediately. Both federal and provincial governments plan to offer opportunities for Indian shareholders. Alberta stated that construction could start as early as 1 September 2027, but only after consultations and approvals are complete.
Trans Mountain Corp is a federal Crown corporation responsible for the existing pipeline system and west coast export infrastructure. Pembina Pipeline Corp operates energy infrastructure across Canada, while the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission manages the province's royalty share of crude oil and supports energy market initiatives.
