CANADALAND When Carney Met Smith-y
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Dec 2, 2025 Felice Chin, Ottawa Bureau Chief at The Hub, analyzes the recent Carney-Smith MOU concerning pipeline politics, highlighting how it promises faster approvals and regulatory rollbacks. Sam Konnert offers an insider glimpse into the parliamentary press gallery dinner, featuring memorable moments and key figures. They dissect the political maneuvering surrounding the deal, its implications for Alberta's leadership, and the environmental critiques that shadow it. Together, they explore the balance between industrial growth and climate commitments.
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What The MOU Actually Commits To
- The MOU promises faster approvals and exemptions from some climate rules in exchange for Alberta strengthening industrial carbon pricing and funding emissions cuts.
- Ottawa requires Indigenous co-ownership and national-interest approval before any pipeline proceeds.
MOU Is A Framework Not A Greenlight
- Felice Chin says the MOU isn't a pipeline approval but a framework that removes many regulatory barriers harming oil and gas investment.
- She argues the agreement can be a net win for Alberta even if a new pipeline never materializes.
The Pipeline-Carbon Capture Standoff
- Carney conditioned pipeline approval on Pathways Alliance delivering large-scale carbon capture and emissions reductions.
- Smith similarly demands pipeline progress before committing big to carbon capture, creating a chicken-and-egg problem.