Comments and reaction on Ottawa-Alberta pipeline memorandum of understanding

CALGARY – Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed Thursday a memorandum of understanding that includes shared goals on green technology and a new oil pipeline to the West Coast to reach groundbreaking markets in Asia. It also opens the door to changes to the coastal tanker ban.

Here are some of the comments and reaction:

“In the face of global trade shifts and profound uncertainty, Canada and Alberta are striking a new partnership to build a stronger, more sustainable, and more independent Alberta and Canadian economy.” — Prime Minister Mark Carney

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“Although I’m not blind to the fact the people of Alberta have had the rug pulled out from underneath them too many times to count over the past 10 years, I also know that a new relationship and a new beginning needs a starting point.” — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith

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“The bottom line for us is that we need to make sure that this project doesn’t become an energy vampire with all of the variables that have yet to be fulfilled — no proponent, no route, no money, no First Nation support …” — British Columbia Premier David Eby

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“A pipeline to the West Coast would have major environmental impacts, particularly as it could cross the Great Bear Rainforest, contribute to a significant increase in climate pollution, and move Canada further away from its greenhouse gas reduction targets.” — Steven Guilbeault, environment minister under Justin Trudeau, in letter announcing resignation from Carney’s cabinet

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“A Conservative government would approve a pipeline to the Pacific without a carbon tax, without delay, without excuses. Period…. Unblocking our oil and gas will boost paycheques and the Canadian dollar so Canadians get more for their money and life becomes affordable.” — Federal Opposition Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre

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“Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters strongly welcomes the new federal–Alberta memorandum of understanding. For years, Canada has been trapped in zero-sum thinking on energy infrastructure—pitting regions against one another, stalling critical projects, and undermining the well-being of Canadian families and communities that rely on strong industrial growth and energy exports.” — Canadian Manufacturers Association President and CEO Dennis Darby

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“We would once again stress that there is no economic case for a new pipeline as the world shifts away from oil and gas.” — Sierra Club Canada

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“Today Prime Minister Carney has torpedoed decades of work in salmon and fisheries recovery and wildlife protections to gamble the future livelihoods in the region by designating the West Coast a tar sands tanker sacrifice zone.” — Anna Barford, Oceans Campaigner with Stand.earth

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“Credit to Premier Smith, but also credit to Prime Minister Carney….The tone of conversation and the collaboration of our efforts is better and stronger today than it has been in the last decade.” — Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe

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“My hope is that it will create lasting economic benefits for First Nations and strengthen the relationships that matter most — government-to-government and community-to-community.” — George Arcand Jr, Chief, Alexander First Nation

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“We have zero interest in co-ownership or economic benefits of a project that has the potential to destroy our way of life and everything we have built on the coast.” — Coastal First Nations President Marilyn Slett

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“There are provisions in the federal proposal that suggests that there has to be some acceptance by First Nations and jurisdictions that will be affected by the pipeline. And to me, that is going to be a poison pill for the whole deal.” — Simon Fraser University political science professor Andy Hira

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“This MOU is good for Alberta. We need more pipeline capacity, energy exports, and the oil and gas jobs that come with it.” — Alberta Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi

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“Just the political commitment to work with Alberta on a West Coast bitumen pipeline was unthinkable a couple of years ago. Kudos to the province and to the prime minister for the progress here today. But it’s it’s not the end, it’s just the beginning.” — former Alberta premier Jason Kenney

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“Most concerningly, it opens the door to not only Alberta – but any province – renegotiating new deals on federal climate policies, which will only serve to delay climate action and sow continued investment uncertainty at a time when Canada must urgently attract private capital to its economy.” — Pembina Institute executive director Chris Severson-Baker.

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“British Columbians and First Nations have been crystal clear: crude oil tankers do not belong in the Great Bear Sea.” — Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs President Grand Chief Stewart Phillip

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“The elimination of the emissions cap, changes to the Competition Act, and the commitment to work together on new market access are all significant steps towards unlocking Canada’s vast natural energy resources and putting us on a path to become the world’s next energy superpower.” — Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers President and CEO Lisa Baiton

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2025.