Ontario, Alberta Push for 3,300 km East-West Oil Pipeline to Sarnia

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith are spearheading a proposal for a new 3,300-kilometer oil pipeline, dubbed the "Northern Shield Energy Corridor." This ambitious project would transport oil from Hardisty, Alberta, to Sarnia, Ontario, aiming to enhance Canada's energy security and connect domestic resources with Canadian consumers.

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We’re going to keep working to build a more secure, united and resilient Canadian economy, so we can keep Canadian workers on the job, make life more affordable for Canadian families and help get Canadian energy to new markets across the country and around the world.

The pipeline plan follows a memorandum of understanding signed last summer between Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan to explore an east-west energy corridor. The initial concept included using domestically produced steel and connecting to a planned James Bay deep-sea port in Ontario. The current proposal specifically targets Sarnia's significant oil-refining capacity.

During an announcement at the Calgary Stampede, Premier Ford emphasized the project's role in building a "secure, united and resilient Canadian economy." He stated the pipeline would help keep Canadian workers employed, make life more affordable for families, and open new markets for Canadian energy. The Ontario government estimates the pipeline could transport 500,000 barrels of oil per day, primarily for domestic use.

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A new west-east pipeline will connect Canadian energy with Canadian consumers while laying the foundation for future growth.

While Manitoba was mentioned as a potential partner, its provincial government has not yet officially joined the project, despite the pipeline's likely route through its territory. Alberta's Premier Smith highlighted the pipeline's potential to connect Canadian energy with Canadian consumers and lay the groundwork for future economic growth. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe also voiced support, citing strengthened energy security and job creation.

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It would strengthen Canadian energy security and create good-paying jobs.