Canada is expecting to see a shift in its role in the global crude oil industry, as officials from Alberta are pushing for a new crude-export pipeline to the nation’s northwest coast that could drastically increase Canada’s exporting capacity. British Columbia may be about to see a new crude pipeline that will serve refining opportunities in Asia. The new pipeline proposal is being met with substantial pushback from domestic indigenous leaders and organizations, it should be said.
Simmering trade tensions with the United States have forced Canada’s hand, so to speak
Recent events have raised concerns over Canada’s relationship with its largest trading partner, the United States. US President Donald Trump has, on several occasions, stated that he believes that Canada should be the 51st state of the US, which has been met with a chorus of public outcry by Canadians.
The US is now threatening new tariffs on Canada, which were met with a retaliation of sorts by Canada’s newly elected Prime Minister, Mark Carney. What Trump does not seem to realize is that Canada provides the vast majority of the crude demand for the United States, meaning that Canada is in a powerful position to affect the US energy market, if they chose to do so.
Alberta’s government has created a new website for the proposed crude export pipeline
The regional government of Alberta has created a new website for the proposed crude export pipeline. Canada’s government has been mulling over potential non-US trade options as tensions with its neighbor to the south escalate. Canada is aiming to send more crude to Asian refineries, serving the international market without the volatile input of the United States Trump administration.
“With the launch of this new webpage, we’re providing a transparent, accessible platform for everyone in Canada to stay informed,” Brian Jean, Provincial Minister of Energy and Minerals
The proposed Northwest Coast Pipeline could transform Canada’s export capabilities
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is financing a new proposal for the so-called Northwest Coast Pipeline, which would terminate in the iconic British Columbia and send vast quantities to several non-US refineries. Several substantial Canadian energy firms are serving on the advisory committee for the proposed crude export pipeline, including:
- Enbridge (Calgary, Alberta)
- Trans Mountain (Calgary)
- South Bow (Calgary
The regional government has noted that it would back the preliminary planning work for the Northwest Coast Pipeline through a $10 million package. The new website was created to promote the proposed crude pipeline that could end the generational trade relationship with the US, as Canada aims to strengthen its position on the global energy stage. The new pipeline proposal comes as another Canadian pipeline is set to shift the flow of crude in North America.
Indigenous leaders have raised some serious concerns over the new pipeline
Leaders of the Coastal First Nations advocacy group noted that they are standing firm in their opposition to the new pipeline. Following a closed-door meeting with PM Carney, the group raised its significant concerns.
“Our interest isn’t about money in this situation, it’s about [the] responsibility of looking after our territories and again nurturing the sustainable economies that we currently have here,” said Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, President of the Council of the Haida Nation and vice president of CFN
North America may become flooded with a heavier grade of crude in the near future
PM Carney has stated that he is not deterred by the fact that US refiners are preparing to handle Venezuelan crude, which is similar to the heavy crude that Canada produces. The global energy industry needs to accept the fact that geopolitical issues affect the industry, like it or not. Canada is preparing for a new era of crude exporting through the substantial Northwest Coast Pipeline.
