Unlocking Canada’s potential
Alberta’s government has prepared a submission for a world-class Indigenous co-owned pipeline to the west coast of British Columbia to strengthen Canada’s energy independence, increase global competitiveness and drive prosperity.
Demand for oil and gas will remain strong for decades, especially in Asia. With one of the largest and most secure energy reserves in the world, Alberta is ready to deliver reliable, responsibly produced energy for years to come.
Indigenous leadership and stewardship are central to this project, shaping its direction and ensuring lasting benefits for communities.
Learn more:
- Watch videos about the proposed West Coast Oil Pipeline.
- See the project timeline.
- Read our commitment to Indigenous perspectives.
- Check out responses to myths about the project.
- Learn how the project aligns with Canada's interests.
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Setting the standard
Using innovative technology, the proposed oil pipeline will exemplify best-in-class performance in every respect. Environmental protection and marine safety are at the core.
From design through construction and operation, the project submission outlines the rigorous safety protocols, advanced monitoring systems and fail-safe engineering practices that will protect communities, workers and the environment.
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Tidewater to Asian markets
If advanced, the project will significantly increase market access to Asian markets hungry for Alberta oil products and reduce dependence on U.S. markets.
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Indigenous voices
This is more than an energy project – it’s a pathway to generational prosperity for Indigenous communities. From the onset, Indigenous communities have provided guidance that has shaped the project every step of the way. This work continues, with extensive ongoing Indigenous engagement underway across Alberta and British Columbia.
Planning for a world-class pipeline
Alberta’s government drew on more than a century of technical expertise to deliver a submission to the Major Projects Office on July 2, 2026, and partner with Trans Mountain Corporation and Pembina Pipeline to further develop the project. This submission includes:
- a summary of the proposed path and size of the pipeline
- detailed costs and benefits to Canada
- comprehensive information about market demand, economic viability and the need for a new pipeline
- the social, environmental and economic case for the proposed pipeline being in the national interest
- a commitment to ongoing engagement and collaboration with Indigenous communities
View more videos about the proposed West Coast Oil Pipeline.
Safety standards
Marine safety is not optional—it will be embedded in every aspect of the project’s design and operation.
The submission incorporates the most advanced marine protection systems available worldwide, including real-time vessel tracking, double-hull tanker requirements and enhanced navigation protocols to safeguard coastal waters.
Canada already enforces robust safety measures including mandatory pilotage, tug escorts and restricted navigation zones, and this project will fully comply with these requirements and go further—actively researching and adopting best practices from around the world to enhance marine safety.
The project will adhere to safety protocols and ensure coastal waters remain protected for generations.
Pipelines remain the safest, most efficient and most reliable way to transport energy across Canada. On average each year, 99.999% of oil transported via federally regulated pipelines moves safely, reflecting decades of operational excellence and regulatory oversight.
Project timeline
Indigenous perspectives
We are committed to early, respectful, transparent and meaningful engagement. Insights gathered through early engagement have already shaped key elements of the project, including:
- environmental protections and marine safety
- a proposed corridor
- construction methods
- economic opportunities
Indigenous economic opportunities are integral to this project and will create long-term revenue streams and allow communities to invest in their futures. The Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC) is ready to support Indigenous co-ownership of the pipeline and the Pathways carbon capture project.
Beyond economic participation, we are committed to exploring other forms of involvement based on how communities want to engage, recognizing that interests may go beyond financial outcomes.
Aligning with Canada’s interests
The federal government has declared a pipeline to Asian markets as a priority and is collaborating with Alberta’s government to provide a clear and efficient approval process for the oil pipeline under the Building Canada Act.
An Implementation Agreement finalized in May 2026 establishes a framework that sets out a path for construction of a new oil pipeline to Canada’s west coast. Potential construction may commence as early as September 1, 2027, provided that duty to consult with Indigenous communities obligations have been met and the conditions document from the federal government has been given.
Alberta’s government has developed a strong, evidence-based submission for a world-class pipeline to the west coast of British Columbia to demonstrate this project will benefit all of Canada.
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Criteria 1. Strengthen Canada’s autonomy, resilience and security
A pipeline to the west coast will provide the opportunity to diversify and increase market access while strengthening Canada’s energy independence. -
Criteria 2. Provide economic or other benefits to Canada
Previous estimates for a similar past project showed the potential for as much as $3.8 billion in total annual government revenues across Canada and 800,000 jobs over the lifetime of the project. -
Criteria 3. Have a high likelihood of successful execution
Alberta’s government acted as proponent during early project planning to ensure there was government support. Experts from across the energy industry provided technical advice throughout the submission development process to ensure credible project delivery.Alberta’s government will now partner with Trans Mountain Corporation and Pembina Pipeline to bring world-class pipeline design, construction and operational expertise to the next phase of development.
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Criteria 4. Advance the interests of Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous co-ownership, partnership and perspectives are critical to every stage of project development and execution. Indigenous communities in Alberta and British Columbia have been engaged from day one – starting at the onset of project design. -
Criteria 5. Contribute to clean growth and to Canada’s objectives with respect to climate change
To reach net-zero by 2050, the Governments of Canada and Alberta have established globally competitive carbon pricing and sector-specific stringency factors for major oil, gas and electricity emitters under Alberta’s TIER system.
Pathways carbon capture project
In July 2026, Alberta’s government, along with the federal government and the Oil Sands Alliance, signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding to advance Pathways, the world’s largest carbon capture and storage infrastructure project. The agreement also provides a framework to enable the Oil Sands Alliance to substantially increase oil production while advancing emissions reductions through the Pathways project.
This agreement marks a critical step toward decarbonizing oil sands projects and will support the development of the west coast oil pipeline.
Learn more about the Pathways carbon capture project.
News
- Major milestone for oilsands production and Pathways (July 13, 2026)
- West coast pipeline, private partner, oilsands production and pathways (July 2, 2026)
- Advancing an oil pipeline to the west coast (May 15, 2026)
- Central hub for a northwest coast oil pipeline (January 6, 2026)
- Alberta leads as proponent for West Coast pipeline (October 1, 2025)
- Alberta and Ottawa ink landmark energy agreement (November 27, 2025)
Resources
- West Coast Oil Pipeline project submission to the Major Projects Office
- West Coast Oil Pipeline project submission to the Major Projects Office – Plain language summary – English | Français
- MOU between the Governments of Canada and Alberta
- Marine safety (Transport Canada)
- Alberta crude oil reserves factsheet
- ReconciliAction minister's monthly newsletter
- West coast oil pipeline safety standards
- Working Together to Build Lasting Economic Growth
- Protecting Canada's West Coast