Alberta Designates Pacific Link Pipeline as National Interest Project

The Alberta government has designated the Pacific Link oil pipeline as being in the national interest, a move that could speed up its construction and make it operational by November 2027. The pipeline, which will have an estimated cost of between $35 billion and $44 billion, is expected to create up to 140,000 jobs during construction, mostly in Alberta and British Columbia.

According to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, the project's benefits are clear: 'During construction, Pacific Link will create up to 140,000 jobs at its peak, mostly in Alberta and British Columbia. Operations, ongoing production, maintenance and trade could support an additional 50,000 jobs per year for Albertans and Canadians.'

Smith also emphasized the economic benefits of the project, stating that it will 'significantly grow Canada's GDP, generating more than $20 billion per year when operational'.

The pipeline will largely follow the route of the Trans Mountain pipeline, covering 1,250 kilometres from Bruderheim, northeast of Edmonton, to the Roberts Bank terminal near Delta, B.C. The Alberta government and the federally owned Trans Mountain Corporation will each own a share of the pipeline, with Pembina Pipeline Corporation owning a 10 per cent stake.