“The world is facing a long-term energy crisis and Alberta has the natural gas resources to help heat homes and businesses abroad while also reducing global emissions.

“Global liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand is forecast to grow in the coming decades, and Canada’s natural gas is among the cleanest in the world. While the federal government continues to make public commitments about helping address global energy security, Justin Trudeau’s government is also causing unnecessary delays in approving natural gas export projects that can realistically help increase global supply in the near-term and prevent future crises.

“With massive gas reserves, technological prowess and high ESG standards, Canada has an opportunity to help lead the way. That is why I have sent a letter to federal Minister of Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson highlighting problems with the current approval system and calling for a streamlined approach.

“The letter highlights the impact constraints and delays are having on critical infrastructure projects. Most notably, persistent and out-of-scope federal delays in approving NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL) expansion projects have prevented Alberta gas from reaching additional export markets. The NGTL 2023 expansion is but the most recent example of the federal government’s inaction, creating bewildering delays without adequate explanations and causing significant harm to Canada’s clean-energy potential.

“I am calling on Ottawa to do for Alberta’s energy sector what it promised to do for European nations last month – streamline regulatory processes and complete final assessment of the Nova 2023 expansion as soon as possible. More Alberta natural gas could be reaching export markets already had timely approvals for construction occurred. By swiftly approving this project, Canada can prove it is serious about its commitment to partners in Europe and Asia who see Canada’s long-drawn regulatory environment as the primary risk to investing here.

“The federal government should allow and support industry in determining whether there is a business case for LNG exports. Alberta is ready to be part of the solution and will continue to encourage Ottawa to partner more with the provinces and to enhance its decision-making and regulatory processes to ensure we can seriously help tackle the energy crisis.”

Quick facts

  • The proposed NGTL West Path Delivery 2023 Project will supply the growing demand in southwest Alberta, southern British Columbia and downstream North American markets with natural gas produced in Western Canada.

  • The proposed project is made up of three pipeline sections:

    • The proposed Western Alberta System Mainline (WASML) Loop No. 2 Turner Valley Section, which will consist of about 23 kilometres of pipeline located near Turner Valley.

    • The proposed Western Alberta System Mainline (WASML) Loop No. 2 Longview Section, which will consist of about nine kilometres of pipeline located near High River.

    • The proposed Western Alberta System Mainline (WASML) Loop No. 2 Lundbreck Section, which will consist of about seven kilometres of pipeline located near Pincher Creek.

  • All three lines are scheduled to be commercially in service in the fourth quarter of 2023.

  • On May 24, 2022, the Commission of the Canada Energy Regulator issued its report on the expansion, recommending federal Governor in Council approval, subject to conditions.

  • NGTL 2021 was also delayed due to lengthy delays in achieving approval from the federal Governor in Council, which ultimately led to a delayed construction schedule.

  • Of the 29 LNG projects that have been announced in Canada, only one project (LNG Canada Project) has received the necessary approvals and been able to begin construction. Three other projects continue to be actively advanced.