‘Indigenous stewardship is central to this project, shaping its direction and ensuring lasting benefits for communities’
Alberta formally proposed a new oil pipeline to British Columbia's South Coast on Thursday, a project the federal government says could create at least 175,000 jobs nationally.
Alberta's government submitted its case for the pipeline to the federal Major Projects Office on July 2, 2026, in partnership with Trans Mountain Corporation and Pembina Pipeline, according to the provincial government. The province frames the project around energy independence, trade diversification toward Asia, and Indigenous leadership, stating that “Indigenous stewardship is central to this project, shaping its direction and ensuring lasting benefits for communities."
Alberta.ca cites that "a similar past project" showed potential for up to 800,000 jobs and $3.8 billion in annual government revenue — a figure tied to a different, earlier project, not a confirmed estimate for this pipeline. Alberta's public materials do not state a specific job or cost figure for the current proposal itself.
The province engaged more than 100 Indigenous communities across Alberta and northern B.C. between October 2025 and June 2026, shaping the proposed corridor, construction methods and environmental protections. The submission also commits to double-hull tankers, real-time vessel tracking and enhanced navigation protocols, on top of existing federal marine safety measures.
The pipeline is expected to be listed as a project of national interest by Oct. 1, 2026, with potential construction starting as early as Sept. 1, 2027, pending Indigenous consultation and approvals.
Recently, British Columbia said that employers facing skilled labour shortages in construction, energy and trades will benefit from a new multi-billion dollar agreement between the province and the federal government.
Stakeholder comments
CBC News reported the Alberta submission put the project's cost between $35.2 billion and $43.7 billion, including contingencies, with construction potentially running from 2027 to 2034, according to CBC. Carney said the project would generate more than $200 billion in new direct investment alongside the 175,000 jobs, according to the publication.
Reaction was mixed, per CBC. B.C. Premier David Eby, whose government separately secured a continued North Coast tanker ban and federal compensation, told the publication, "Don't expect me or members of my government caucus to say we like this project." Retired pipeline executive Dennis McConaghy said he remains sceptical that the necessary private financing is confirmed, according to the report.
Environmental groups also raised concerns, according to CBC. Stand.earth and the Wilderness Committee warned of risks to a southern resident killer whale population numbering 74 as of last year. Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce president Dianna de Sousa told CBC she welcomed the Indigenous ownership model but said the continued tanker ban leaves investors without full long-term certainty.
