Ford's Alberta Oil Export Threat Could Shortchange Ontario Fuel Supplies

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has floated the idea of using Alberta's oil exports as leverage in Canada's trade dispute with the United States, but critics say this strategy ignores a crucial reality: Ontario relies heavily on cross-border pipelines to fuel its economy.

The proposal to restrict Alberta crude exports is intended to put pressure on American refiners. However, much of the oil that reaches Ontario first travels through the U.S. before returning to Canada via Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline.

Line 5 transports up to 540,000 barrels of crude oil and natural gas liquids per day from Wisconsin, across Michigan, and into Sarnia, Ontario. According to Enbridge, the pipeline supplies roughly half of the oil consumed in Ontario and Quebec, while Western Canadian crude accounts for approximately 77% of Ontario's refinery feedstock.

Michigan has been trying to shut down Line 5 since 2020, arguing the pipeline poses environmental risks in the Straits of Mackinac. The pipeline remains in operation while the courts consider the case, and a replacement tunnel intended to secure its future is not expected to be completed before 2031.