Canada puts Pacific Link oil pipeline on its national-interest list
Canada designated Pacific Link a project of national interest, advancing a proposed route from Alberta to British Columbia’s southern coast. The government wants capacity of about 1 million barrels a day to reach buyers beyond the United States. Regulatory review, public hearings and construction conditions remain ahead, with a conditions document targeted for September 1, 2027.
Geopolitics··Morning
National-interest listing advances the proposed export route
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney designated Pacific Link a project of national interest on October 1. Previously called the West Coast Oil Pipeline, it would carry Alberta oil to a deepwater port on British Columbia’s southern coast. The government aims to expand access to Asian buyers and other markets outside the United States. Listing advances the federal process for the proposed route; oil shipments have not started.[1], [2], [3]
Review and hearings precede construction conditions
The government envisages capacity of about 1 million barrels a day. Canada’s Major Projects Office, the federal body overseeing large projects, will work with the Canada Energy Regulator on review and public hearings over the next year. A conditions document is targeted for September 1, 2027. It will consolidate federal authorisations, including the regulator’s certificate and permissions concerning fisheries and species at risk, for construction and operation.[1]
Indigenous communities are offered an ownership stake
Indigenous communities will be offered at least 10 percent ownership, supported by federal and Alberta loan guarantees. The prime minister’s office said more than 130 communities had been consulted over the past 3 months. Indigenous rights and the duty to consult continue through the regulatory process. Proponents must prepare route maps, ecological surveys and cost estimates, while the southern route is intended to avoid the Great Bear Sea and northern coast.[1]
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