Pacific Link Listed as National Interest Project

The proponents of the West Coast Oil Pipeline, now referred to as Pacific Link, have welcomed the Government of Canada's listing of the pipeline as a Project of National Interest under the Building Canada Act. This move marks a significant step in the project's journey towards connecting Alberta's abundant oil resources to the southern coast of British Columbia, and ultimately to Asia-Pacific and other global markets.

Pacific Link will transport one million barrels of crude oil per day, serving as a crucial link in diversifying Canada's energy markets and bolstering its energy sovereignty. The project is expected to significantly contribute to Canada's GDP, generating more than $20 billion per year, and catalyze economic opportunities for small businesses and Indigenous and local communities, creating up to 140,000 jobs in Alberta, British Columbia, and across Canada.

The project will be developed, constructed, and operated by Trans Mountain Corporation, which is uniquely positioned to undertake this endeavor given its 70-year history of operating the only pipeline with access to coastal waters. Pembina Pipeline Corporation will contribute development and execution expertise to the advancement of Pacific Link, ensuring a smooth and efficient project execution.

Following today's listing, the Major Projects Office will work with the Canada Energy Regulator through a streamlined review process to issue a conditions document for Pacific Link by September 1, 2027, following which construction can begin. This process will include Indigenous consultation, environmental assessment, and public hearings.

The Government of Canada, through the Crown Corporation Trans Mountain Corporation, Alberta's government, through the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission, and Pembina Pipeline Corporation are advancing the project. Indigenous engagement, consultation, participation, and equity partnership opportunities are central to the development of Pacific Link and will help shape the project as it moves forward.

Trans Mountain Corporation is uniquely positioned to develop the project given its 70-year history of operating the only pipeline with access to coastal waters and its recent experience completing the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. Pembina Pipeline Corporation is contributing development and execution expertise to the advancement of Pacific Link.

The project's proponents have stated that the listing of Pacific Link as a Project of National Interest demonstrates what can be achieved when governments work together to advance nation-building infrastructure. This step marks an important step toward expanding market access, strengthening Canada's economy, and reinforcing Alberta's position as a reliable energy supplier.

Following today's listing, the Major Projects Office will work with the Canada Energy Regulator through a streamlined regulatory review process established under the Building Canada Act to issue a conditions document for Pacific Link by September 1, 2027, following which construction can begin. The review process will include Indigenous consultation, environmental assessment, and public hearings, among other components.

Canada and Alberta continue to work with the Oil Sands Alliance to advance the Pathways Project, one of the world's largest proposed carbon capture and storage projects. The shared goal is establishing Canadian oil as among the world's most responsibly produced and lowest emitting, while creating tens of thousands of jobs here at home.

The project's proponents have stated that Canada has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to become a global energy superpower. To transform our economy, to diversify our trade, and to achieve greater strategic autonomy, so we can continue to live our lives as we choose, the Pacific Link pipeline is foundational to all of these missions. In a more dangerous, divided world, Canada is working together, boldly, sustainably, and in true partnership with Indigenous Peoples.

The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, has praised the listing of Pacific Link as a Project of National Interest, stating that it demonstrates what can be achieved when governments work together to advance nation-building infrastructure. He added that today marks an important step toward expanding market access, strengthening Canada's economy, and reinforcing Alberta's position as a reliable energy supplier.

The Premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith, has also expressed her support for the project, noting that today marks a significant victory for Alberta's and Canada's energy future. She stated that the listing of Pacific Link as a Project of National Interest demonstrates what can be achieved when governments work together to advance nation-building infrastructure.

Pembina's President and Chief Executive Officer, Scott Burrows, has expressed his pride in contributing to the development of Pacific Link. He stated that the project will significantly grow Canada's GDP, generating more than $20 billion per year, catalyze economic opportunities for small businesses and Indigenous and local communities, and create up to 140,000 jobs in Alberta, British Columbia, and across Canada. He also highlighted the project's potential to expand market access for Canadian energy and support Canada's prosperity, economic security, and sovereignty.

The Canada-Alberta Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 2026 included a commitment from the federal government to pursue national interest listing for Alberta's west coast oil pipeline proposal. Since receiving the proposal, the Major Projects Office has reviewed the project under five criteria listed in the Building Canada Act, consulted on the listing with Indigenous Peoples, relevant provinces, and federal departments, and invited public feedback via the Canada Gazette.

As much as possible, the proposed corridor will follow the existing Trans Mountain right-of-way, leveraging existing corridor knowledge, historical land-use information, and existing access infrastructure. The project will determine the final Route following additional geotechnical engineering and engagement with Indigenous communities and local governments.

The project's proponents have stated that the listing of Pacific Link as a Project of National Interest marks a significant victory for Alberta's and Canada's energy future. They have emphasized that the project will significantly grow Canada's GDP, generating more than $20 billion per year, catalyze economic opportunities for small businesses and Indigenous and local communities, and create up to 140,000 jobs in Alberta, British Columbia, and across Canada.