Prime Minister Mark Carney sparked speculation about a new Alberta pipeline project after hinting to a Toronto business audience that a major development is on the way. Speaking to members of the Canadian Club Toronto on Friday afternoon, Carney offered his strongest signal yet that Ottawa is moving forward on a new energy infrastructure deal.
“We’re on the pipeline stuff,” Carney told the Bay Street crowd, before pausing and adding, “Well, something’s going to happen, let’s put it that way.” The comment, met with curiosity and cautious optimism among the audience, marks the clearest indication yet of his government’s willingness to back a new pipeline initiative—an issue that has long divided environmental advocates and energy sector leaders.
Meanwhile, in Calgary, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she hopes to soon sign a memorandum of understanding with the federal government on two major projects: a new pipeline route to the B.C. coast and the Pathways carbon capture initiative. She said she expects more concrete discussions next week, while again urging Ottawa to roll back certain environmental laws introduced under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which she argues have slowed Alberta’s resource development.
Carney, however, reassured Toronto’s business community that federal environmental regulations are not standing in the way of large-scale energy investments. He emphasized that the federal and Alberta governments remain in “direct and ongoing conversations” to move projects forward.
While the prime minister stopped short of confirming any specific pipeline or timeline, his remarks suggest a shift toward greater cooperation with Alberta’s energy industry as Ottawa seeks to balance climate commitments with economic growth.