Canadian premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney debated the future of oil pipelines, specifically whether to build one to the West Coast for Asian markets or across the country to the East for energy security. While no definitive answer emerged, Carney hinted at supporting a 'de-carbonized' pipeline to the West, linking it to the Pathways Alliance project, amidst ongoing concerns about U.S. trade relations and energy vulnerability.
Opinion: Should Canada build a pipeline to the West or the East?
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Canadian premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney debated the future of oil pipelines, specifically whether to build one to the West Coast for Asian markets or across the country to the East for energy security. While no definitive answer emerged, Carney hinted at supporting a 'de-carbonized' pipeline to the West, linking it to the Pathways Alliance project, amidst ongoing concerns about U.S. trade relations and energy vulnerability.
Trending- 1 2017: TC Energy cancelled its Energy East pipeline proposal
- 2 January 2025: Premiers discussed potential retaliation to Donald Trump's tariffs
- 3 June 2, 2025 (Monday): First ministers’ meeting in Saskatoon, no definitive answer on pipeline route
- 4 June 2, 2025 (Monday): Quebec Premier François Legault expressed openness to pipelines but said his province would have to approve any project
- Potential for a new pipeline to the West Coast if 'de-carbonized' and linked to Pathways Alliance
- Continued debate and lack of definitive action on pipeline construction
- High costs and profitability challenges for an East-West pipeline without government subsidy
- Ongoing energy security vulnerability due to reliance on US pipelines (Line 5)
- Need for Indigenous consultation for any new pipeline project
What: Canadian political leaders are debating the construction of new oil pipelines, specifically whether to build one to the West Coast (for export diversification to Asia) or across the country to the East (for domestic energy security).
When: The article was published on June 3, 2025. The first ministers' meeting occurred on June 2, 2025 (Monday). Trump's threats were 'months ago' and 'January' (likely 2025). TC Energy cancelled Energy East in 2017.
Where: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (meeting location). Discussions involve Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, and the United States (Wisconsin, Michigan, Sarnia, Ont.).
Why: The debate is driven by economic goals (diversifying oil markets, reducing dependence on US customers) and energy security concerns (protecting Canada's oil supply from potential US tariffs or disruptions like the Line 5 legal battle).
How: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith advocates for a West Coast pipeline. New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt and Ontario Premier Doug Ford express interest in an East-West pipeline. Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated support for a 'de-carbonized' pipeline to the West, linked to the Pathways Alliance project. The feasibility of both options is discussed, considering costs, environmental regulations, Indigenous consultation, and political will.