Canada to fast-track oil pipeline designed to diversify economy away from US
PPL•Canada will fast-track approval of the proposed Pacific Link crude oil pipeline to its west coast, targeting completion of the federal review by September 1, 2027. The 1 million-barrel-a-day project is estimated to generate more than C$20 billion in annual GDP and create 140,000 jobs.
1. Expedited review
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Ottawa would designate the Pacific Link pipeline a project of national interest, allowing it to proceed through a single federal regulatory review. Ottawa aims to complete the process by September 1, 2027.
2. Project estimates
The proposed 1 million-barrel-a-day pipeline is estimated to create 140,000 jobs, generate more than C$20 billion in GDP annually and produce C$100 billion in government revenue by 2060. Alberta estimates construction could cost between C$35.2 billion and C$43.7 billion.
3. Ownership and context
Government-owned Trans Mountain Corp. will build the pipeline in coordination with Pembina Pipeline Corp. The federal and Alberta governments will be majority owners, with Indigenous communities offered at least a 10% ownership interest. Canada currently sends more than 90% of its crude oil exports to the United States.
