Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is celebrating what she calls a significant victory for the province after securing a crucial pipeline agreement with Prime Minister Mark Carney. The memorandum of understanding, announced on November 27, 2025, represents a major step forward for Alberta's energy sector.
A Landmark Agreement for Alberta
The deal outlines a clear path to constructing an Alberta bitumen pipeline to the northwest British Columbia coast, which Smith describes as "a major milestone" for the province. Speaking at the Unlock the Pipeline Gridlock conference hosted by the Indian Resource Council-Canada, the premier expressed optimism about the agreement's potential.
"This is Alberta's moment of opportunity," Smith declared, emphasizing the significance of the pact reached with the federal government.
Key Concessions from Ottawa
The agreement includes several important concessions from the federal government that address long-standing concerns from Alberta's energy sector. Ottawa has agreed to suspend its clean electricity regulations specifically for Alberta, providing the province with more flexibility in its energy policies.
Additionally, the federal government is scrapping its planned cap on oil and gas emissions, removing what many in Alberta viewed as a significant barrier to industry growth. Perhaps most importantly for pipeline prospects, Ottawa is providing a workaround on its tanker ban, allowing bitumen from the proposed pipeline to be shipped internationally to Asian markets if the project moves forward.
Political Challenges Ahead
Despite the celebratory tone from Smith, significant hurdles remain. The premier acknowledges that some Indigenous groups oppose the pipeline project, and British Columbia's NDP Premier David Eby has expressed strong opposition to the agreement.
Public opinion in British Columbia also presents a challenge. A new Angus Reid poll indicates that British Columbians supporting another pipeline through their province is "no sure thing", suggesting that Smith will need to build broader consensus beyond Alberta's borders.
Smith remains hopeful that the agreement represents "a starting point grounded in good faith" but acknowledges that "trust must be built and earned" through continued work and negotiation.
Industry and Political Reaction
The premier reports real enthusiasm in the oilpatch for the latest developments, and her United Conservative Party members of the legislature are described as "pretty happy" with the outcome. This weekend's UCP annual gathering in Edmonton will provide the first major test of party support for the agreement.
Smith appears confident that most Albertans will view the deal as a win, suggesting that a solid majority will share her positive assessment. However, she cautiously notes that while this represents a big victory, it is not the final one.
The agreement marks a dramatic shift from previous federal approaches to Alberta's energy sector, particularly compared to the era when former prime minister Justin Trudeau discussed phasing out the oilsands. For Smith and many Albertans who have felt "burned by Liberals out of Ottawa," the new pact represents a potentially transformative moment for the province's economic future.
