Pacific Link becomes first project listed in Canada’s national interest

Indigenous communities are to be offered at least a 10 per cent ownership stake financed through federal and Alberta loan-guarantee programs. Dominic LeBlanc is tasked with a conditions document by Sept. 1, 2027, with a target in-service window of 2032–33. Carney said about 90 per cent of Alberta’s oil currently goes to the United States and argued Pacific Link will open Asian markets, create up to 140,000 jobs and generate more than $20 billion a year in GDP. The move still faces climate and Indigenous scrutiny. Environmental groups including Greenpeace and the Pembina Institute (unrelated to the pipeline company) warned new oilsands and pipeline capacity would raise absolute emissions, while NDP Leader Avi Lewis accused Liberals of sweeping aside protections. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre backed a pipeline but said Carney has been too slow to get steel in the ground. Officials acknowledge private investors are watching whether Canada can actually fast-track construction after the long Trans Mountain expansion saga. Sources: CBC News; Prime Minister of Canada.