Merve Aydogan
01 October 2026•Update: 01 October 2026
Canada on Thursday listed the new West Coast Oil Pipeline, known as “Pacific Link,” as a project of national interest as it seeks to reduce its dependence on the US market, Prime Minister Mark Carney said.
Speaking at a joint news conference with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in Fort McMurray, Carney said 90% of Alberta's oil currently goes to the US.
“Pacific Link will materially reduce that dependence by allowing us to export an additional 1 million barrels a day to growing markets in Asia,” he said.
“That means more customers, more choice, higher prices for all Canadian energy producers, and it means greater long-term security of demand,” Carney added.
He said Indigenous peoples had been involved in the pipeline project from the beginning.
“Canada and Alberta have agreed that the project proponent will offer Indigenous communities a minimum of 10% ownership interest in the pipeline, financed by our respective Indigenous loan guarantee programs,” he said.
“We will also ensure the creation of indigenous contracting and employment opportunities,” he added.
The Prime Minister's Office said in a statement that Pacific Link “will create 140,000 jobs across the country and generate over $20 billion in GDP per year, and $100 billion in government revenue by 2060.”
The revenue would help build infrastructure and homes and support social programs, including healthcare, dental care and child care, the statement said.
“This pipeline is one part of the Government of Canada's broader mission to transform our economy, to double our non-U.S. exports over the next decade,” the statement added, describing Pacific Link as a “transformative project.”
