Canada Greenlights Pacific Link Pipeline Amid Trade War with US
The Canadian government has designated the Pacific Link pipeline as a project of national interest, clearing the way for its construction to begin next year. The $35.2 billion to $47.7 billion project aims to transport one million barrels per day of heavy crude from Alberta to an expanded marine terminal at Roberts Bank in British Columbia.
The federal government's move is part of its plan to reduce Canada's reliance on US oil and gas markets amid the escalating trade war between Canada and the US. The pipeline will be owned by the Alberta and federal governments, with a minimum 10% equity stake set aside for Indigenous communities.
Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the project as critical for Canada's response to shifting geopolitics and volatile energy markets. He cited the affordability challenge, availability of hydrocarbons, energy security, and climate change as reasons why the project is necessary.