Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson is promising the new Pacific Link oil pipeline to the West Coast will be built — regardless of future market shifts or geopolitical changes. The pledge came in an interview on CTV's Question Period on Sunday, days after Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith designated the project as Canada's first officially designated project of national interest under the Building Canada Act.
The designation is meant to fast-track construction, with Carney and Smith setting a target of September 2027 for work to get underway. Carney insisted last week that "the Canadian taxpayer is going to make a lot of money off this pipeline." But taxpayers are footing much of the early bill: a government technical briefing estimated the first phase will cost $4 billion split between the two levels of government, despite earlier promises the project needed a private backer. Pembina Pipeline Corp. has expressed interest in a 10 per cent private-sector stake, with an option for more once the line is operating.
Pressed on why Canadians should trust the pipeline will be built — when Carney said less than a year ago it would not proceed without a private proponent — Hodgson pointed to a transformed energy landscape. He cited the International Energy Agency's description of the worst energy crisis in modern history, arguing "Canadians understand a lot has changed in the last year," and held up the Trans Mountain expansion as proof such investments pay off.
Hodgson said shippers will be asked to commit to long-term contracts in an "open season" likely next spring — and if they don't commit, "we'll deal with that at the time." He pointed to foreign markets expressing interest in Canadian oil and said the government remains "highly confident" the energy-superpower bet is the best path forward.
The pipeline promise lands in a crowded national picture: Carney's government is also weighing tariff relief for steel and lumber, while B.C. and Indigenous leaders continue to push for consent conditions before any shovels hit the ground.
