Ottawa Nears Approval for West Coast Oil Pipeline

Ottawa is moving closer to approving the proposed West Coast Oil Pipeline, which would transport over one million barrels of Alberta crude per day to Pacific tidewater and Asian markets.

The pipeline's capacity would substantially expand Canada's ability to reach overseas customers without relying on the US, according to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. The project is expected to cost between $35.2 billion and $43.7 billion, with Trans Mountain Corporation, the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission, and Pembina Pipeline Corporation forming a jointly owned company.

The federal government plans to publish notice in the Canada Gazette by October 1 if it intends to list the pipeline as a project of national interest under the Building Canada Act. This designation would be a significant step towards approval, but detailed regulatory reviews, Indigenous consultation, and permitting would still follow.