BY SHONDELL SABAD, SENIOR STRATEGIC ADVISOR AT THE ALBERTA ENTERPRISE GROUP

Last week, our Prime Minister Mark Carney: Early Reflections blog highlighted a softening relationship between Alberta and the federal government – a promising sign of renewed collaboration. This week, that spirit faces a real test.

Premier Danielle Smith has announced Alberta’s intention to build a new pipeline to the West Coast, a project that would unlock billions in economic opportunity and strengthen Canada’s overall economy. As Premier Smith puts it, the proposal is “a test of whether Canada works as a country.”

She is right. Alberta holds the world’s third‑largest proven oil reserves. If it cannot ship its product to global markets while other provinces move theirs freely, then a fundamental flaw exists in our federation.

This is not just an Alberta issue – it is a Canadian one. Every Canadian benefits from Alberta’s energy sector through jobs, tax revenue, and the national programs those funds support. A truly collaborative federation should enable growth, not block it.

Prime Minister Carney has pledged to confront the nation’s economic challenges head‑on. His leadership, anchored in cooperation, will be crucial to ensuring Alberta’s energy reaches global markets. For the pipeline to succeed, it will require:

• Clear federal support and policy direction
• Coordination among provinces
• A shared commitment to a unified Canada

At AEG, we support Premier Smith’s call for partnership. Canada’s prosperity depends on all provinces working together to build, innovate, and compete on the world stage. The world needs reliable, responsibly produced energy – and Alberta is uniquely positioned to deliver it.

Now is the time for the rest of Canada to stand with Alberta. Let’s unite as a country and secure the economic growth this project promises for future generations.

Read the article – Alberta to lead push for new pipeline to Canada’s West Coast | Calgary Herald