Alberta Premier Smith Touts Pipeline Expansion with AI-Driven Safety

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith spoke at the International Pipeline Conference & Expo 2026 in Calgary, emphasizing that Canada is entering its most significant period of pipeline development in decades. She attributed this shift to faster project approvals and advanced technology, including artificial intelligence and integrity-management systems.

Smith pointed out that Alberta's energy agreement with Ottawa has eliminated the proposed federal oil and gas emissions cap and established a 'one project, one review' approach, reducing regulatory duplication. The province has also introduced a 120-day timeline for major provincial project approvals.

The premier noted that Alberta is working on several new pipeline projects, including a West Coast oil pipeline that would carry over one million barrels per day, largely following the existing Trans Mountain corridor. Smith also highlighted plans for a west-to-east energy corridor between Hardisty and Sarnia.