Enbridge says it would consider a new pipeline from Alberta to the Port of Prince Rupert, but only if major changes are made to government policy. The company says any new project would require significant reform to carbon policies, regulatory timelines, and Indigenous participation at both the federal and provincial levels.
The comments follow Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s statement that she expects a company—or a group of them—to soon propose a pipeline that would deliver up to a million barrels of oil a day to the B.C. coast. But so far, there’s no formal project in motion, and pipeline companies, including Enbridge, are cautious.
Enbridge previously led the now-cancelled Northern Gateway project to Kitimat and says it will only act when the business and policy environment makes sense.
Experts warn that even under Ottawa’s faster project review process, it could take five years before any shovels hit the ground.
B.C. Premier David Eby remains skeptical, pointing out the absence of any formal plan and stressing the need to focus on existing infrastructure.
Another major obstacle is the federal tanker ban on B.C.’s North Coast, which remains strongly opposed by Indigenous and environmental groups.
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