The new Pacific Link pipeline to the west coast has been designated a project of national interest by the federal government.
Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement in Fort McMurray flanked by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Energy Minister Tim Hodgson and Pembina Pipeline Corporation CEO Scott Burrows.
Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government is listing the proposed Pacific Link pipeline as a project of national interest.
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The Major Projects Office will spend the next year working on project conditions, with the goal of clearing the way for construction.#cdnpoli… pic.twitter.com/xhkw3YsT0B
"Over the next year, the Major Projects Office, supported by Canada's energy regulator, will lead consultations with all stakeholders to set the conditions for the projects, specifics about the ownership, the benefits, the environmental protections, and the local hiring, contracting, and oversight," Carney said.
He added that the MPO will "work to finalize those conditions" by September 1, 2027 to start "clearing the way to get shovels in the ground" as soon as possible.
In order to be deemed in the national interest, a project must strengthen Canada's autonomy and security, have clear economic benefit for Canadians, have a high likelihood of being completed, contribute to Canada's "clean growth and climate goals," and advance the interests of Indigenous peoples.
The Pacific Link pipeline is slated to run a 1,200km route from Bruderheim, Alberta to Delta, BC, and will increase Canada's export capacity by a million barrels per day.
Carney pointed out that 90% of Canadian oil currently travels south to the United States, and that this pipeline would help diversify trade routes. It would also create an estimated 144,000 jobs, and have a "significant positive impact" on Canada's GDP.
