The Current Ottawa and Alberta's pipeline memorandum
Nov 28, 2025
Jason Kenney, former Premier of Alberta and influential conservative voice, discusses the recently signed energy memorandum aiming to build a new oil pipeline to the West Coast. He argues this deal is crucial for Alberta's economy and federal relations, while addressing the viability of heavy crude exports. The conversation also touches on Indigenous participation, with insights from Chief Maureen Nyce of the Haisla Nation, who details environmental concerns surrounding bitumen exports and expresses strong opposition to the pipeline.
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Pipeline Framed As Nation-Building Project
- The federal-provincial memorandum frames a pipeline to the West Coast as central to national economic strategy and energy transition goals.
- It ties pipeline progress to carbon capture, stronger industrial carbon pricing, private financing, Indigenous co-ownership, and collaboration with B.C.
Deal Signals Renewed Federal Respect For Alberta
- Jason Kenney says the deal signals renewed federal respect for Alberta and could reverse investor flight and declining productivity.
- He highlights repeals of federal rules (emissions cap, clean electricity restrictions) and new opportunities like data centres using cheap natural gas.
Political Shift Toward Economic Priorities
- Kenney frames the Prime Minister's shift as following electoral promises to build the economy and diversify exports, not climate diplomacy.
- He argues expanding oil-sands output and exports could trigger major capital investment and national economic gains.
