Alberta Premier Says Pipeline to BC Northwest Coast ‘Very First Priority’ for Oil and Gas Industry

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announces the "New North America Initiative," led by the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy in Calgary, Alta., on May 16, 2025. The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh

CALGARY—Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says building a pipeline to British Columbia’s northwest coast to export Alberta oil and gas is the industry’s top priority, ahead of other potential routes. 

Smith made the comments on Sept. 6 during the Canada Strong and Free Network conference in Calgary—an annual Conservative networking event—after being asked whether she thought Manitoba’s port town of Churchill was a realistic option to increase her province’s oil and gas exports.