Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the advancement of a new pipeline on Thursday a “significant victory” for Alberta and Canada. The Pacific Link pipeline to the West Coast was announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney in Fort McMurray, Alta., as the first project of national interest under the Building Canada Act. Construction could start as soon as Sept. 1, 2027, following a “streamlined” review process. The cost of the project is estimated between $35.2 billion and $43.7 billion, to be split between the federal Crown corporation Trans Mountain Corp. and the Alberta government. Pembina Pipeline Corp. has also expressed interest as a private-sector investor. “This listing sends a clear message: Canada is ready to build again,” Smith said in a statement. “We are ready to harness our strengths, seize new opportunities and deliver the nation-building infrastructure our prosperity depends on.” The government of Alberta said the new pipeline is estimated to produce more than $265 billion in royalties for the province over its 50-year lifespan. Smith said it could create up to 140,000 jobs during construction, as well as another 50,000 annual jobs when complete. The governments of Canada and Alberta signed a memorandum of understanding in November to “strengthen energy collaboration and build a stronger, more competitive, and more sustainable economy.” Smith said her province was “proud” to be working with the Canadian government on the Pacific Link and called it an example of successful collaboration “in the national interest.” “It reflects a renewed spirit of cooperation focused on creating jobs across Canada, attracting investment, strengthening our economy and building the infrastructure that will secure Canada’s future,” Smith said. The pipeline project is projected to cost about $4 billion from now until next September. The Canadian Press reports that a government official said those costs will be paid by the Canadian and Alberta governments. With files from The Canadian Press
