Canada Fast-Tracked Pacific Oil Pipeline Amid Alberta Separatist Tensions

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has fast-tracked a proposed oil pipeline to the Pacific Coast, aiming to reduce Canada's dependence on the United States and mend relations with oil-rich Alberta. The pipeline, now called Pacific Link, will have a capacity of one million barrels per day and is expected to cost $25 billion to $31 billion.

The project was designated a 'project of national interest' under legislation enacted by Carney's government to accelerate major infrastructure projects. This move comes as Alberta holds a public vote on October 19 to decide whether to hold a referendum on leaving Canada, with around 22% support for separation in recent polls.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has long complained that Carney's predecessor, Justin Trudeau, hindered Alberta's energy industry and fueled separatist sentiment. Carney said the pipeline would demonstrate what Canada can achieve by acting together, and claimed it would reduce dependence on the US by allowing Canada to export more oil to growing markets in Asia.