How a new oil pipeline could open new markets for Canada — and deepen U.S. ties

Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
Date: 2026-10-05 11:00:37.0
Tags: [National, Alberta, British Columbia, Energy, Infrastructure, Trade]

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith declared the 1,250-kilometer Pacific Link oil pipeline—running from Bruderheim, Alberta to Delta, British Columbia and adding one million barrels per day of capacity—a project of national interest. Co-owned equally by Ottawa and Alberta with at least 10 percent equity offered to Indigenous communities and led by Trans Mountain Corp. alongside private partner Pembina Pipeline Corporation, the project aims to reduce reliance on U.S. markets by opening Asian trade routes. However, industry analysts note the pipeline will exacerbate Western Canada's reliance on American condensate imports, requiring an additional 383,000 barrels per day of diluent to transport the heavy bitumen. Ottawa has targeted September 1, 2027, to finalize building conditions for the infrastructure.