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The Government of Alberta is welcoming plans for a potential new west-east pipeline that could strengthen Canada's energy infrastructure while increasing access to domestic and international markets.

In a statement released on July 6, Premier Danielle Smith praised Ontario's announcement of a proposed 3,300-kilometre pipeline route stretching from Hardisty, Alberta, to Sarnia, Ontario.

Known as the Northern Shield Energy Corridor, the project would create a direct link between Alberta producers and eastern Canadian refineries, while also improving access to export facilities capable of serving overseas customers.

According to Premier Smith, the proposed corridor represents an important step toward expanding Alberta's energy capacity and ensuring Canadian resources reach Canadian consumers.

"This project is about making Canada stronger," Smith said. "By connecting Alberta's energy with Canadian refineries and markets, we can create jobs, grow our economy and make better use of the world-class resources we already have."

The Alberta government has identified increased market access as a key component of its long-term energy strategy. Officials say the new corridor could help advance the province's goal of doubling oil production, initially moving an additional 500,000 barrels per day, with the possibility of expanding capacity to as much as 800,000 barrels per day in the future.

The proposed pipeline follows a memorandum of understanding signed in July 2025 between Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario aimed at strengthening trade infrastructure and pipeline connections across provincial borders.

Ontario has now identified a potential route and will begin work on cost estimates, commercial models and development opportunities associated with the corridor.

Provincial leaders believe the initiative could complement other energy expansion projects currently under consideration, including efforts to advance a new west coast pipeline capable of transporting more than one million barrels of oil per day to a strategic export terminal serving growing Asian markets.

Supporters argue that greater domestic refining capacity and enhanced transportation networks would help Canada capture more value from its natural resources while improving long-term energy security.

Quick Facts

• The proposed Northern Shield Energy Corridor would extend approximately 3,300 kilometres from Hardisty, Alberta, to Sarnia, Ontario.
• Alberta estimates the project could initially transport an additional 500,000 barrels of oil per day, with future expansion potential reaching 800,000 barrels per day.
• In August 2025, Ontario issued a request for proposals for a feasibility study following a July 2025 agreement between Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario to explore new pipeline and trade infrastructure opportunities.

Watch the press conference on YouTube here.

Source: Government of Alberta