Canada Seeks Urgency in West Coast Oil Pipeline as US Trade Rift Escalates

The collapse of trade talks with the United States has created urgency to plan a new oil pipeline to Canada's west coast, according to Trans Mountain CEO Mark Maki.

The project is still a concept, but both the oil-producing province of Alberta and Canada's government say it is in the country's national interest.

The need for the pipeline became more apparent this week due to escalating tensions between Canada and the US. President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods last week, and signed an executive order declaring that Lake Ontario would now be called 'Lake America'. This has highlighted the need for Canada to diversify its exports.

The Trans Mountain pipeline is currently running nearly full due to increased oil production in Canada. The company plans to develop and build a new west coast pipeline with financial support from the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission and Pembina Pipeline.