A new West Coast pipeline project could see Canadian taxpayers footing a significant portion of the bill, according to federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson. While Hodgson has expressed confidence that the initiative is a "good investment for Canadian taxpayers," he could not provide specific figures on Ottawa's potential financial commitment during a recent interview with CBC's Power and Politics.
The proposed 1,200-kilometre pipeline, detailed in a submission from the Alberta government, is intended to largely follow the existing Trans Mountain pipeline route. However, it would deviate to terminate at the Robert Banks Terminal in Delta, B. C., instead of Burnaby. The estimated cost for this project is expected to surpass the $34 billion Trans Mountain expansion, with projections ranging from $35.2 billion to $43.7 billion, and a potential completion date between 2032 and 2034.
The project is being developed as a public-private partnership, with the federal government through Trans Mountain Corporation and the Alberta government through the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission as majority stakeholders. Pembina Pipeline Corporation holds a minority stake, with a 10 per cent economic interest confirmed during construction and a potential for an additional 10 per cent once operational. Former federal environment minister Steven Guilbeault has voiced concerns, noting that the project could see taxpayers fund up to 90 per cent of its cost, contrasting with previous federal assurances that private sector funding would be primary.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, alongside Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, announced the proposal, emphasizing its role in diversifying export markets and strengthening Canada's energy independence. The federal government has committed to maintaining the tanker ban on the northern B. C. coast, a condition that was part of a memorandum of understanding signed last fall. The project has been submitted to the federal Major Projects Office for review, with consultations planned with Indigenous communities and relevant provinces and territories.
