Danielle Smith hails Quebec’s changing stance on pipelines as a breakthrough for Alberta’s energy future. Could this shift reshape Canada’s energy landscape?
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith sees a major shift in the national conversation on pipelines. During her weekend radio show, she responded to recent remarks by Quebec Premier François Legault, who indicated a new openness toward developing pipeline infrastructure in Quebec—an idea long considered politically untenable in the province.
“Until recently, every time I spoke to him, the answer was always about a lack of social acceptability,” said Smith. That stance appears to be evolving.
Legault Detects Public Support Building in Quebec
Legault, speaking on the podcast Contact with Stéphan Bureau, revealed a perceived increase in public acceptance of pipeline projects. He even referenced a proposed route through northern Quebec terminating at the port of Sept-Îles—once an unimaginable idea.
“There are projects like that which would have been unthinkable before Trump,” Legault stated. He emphasized that Quebecers now seem more open to exporting Alberta oil through their province to Europe, rather than relying on potentially unstable U.S. routes.
Smith Credits Global Demand and Clean Energy Transition
Premier Smith pointed to shifting global energy priorities as a key factor influencing Legault’s change of tone. “There is growing recognition that natural gas is not just a transition fuel—it’s an essential one,” she explained.
She emphasized how replacing high-emission fuels like coal or biomass with natural gas could benefit both Canada and its allies, particularly in Europe. “If Quebec collaborates with Nova Scotia to develop infrastructure, we could be a reliable source of clean energy for Europe,” Smith added.
Past Rejections and a New Federal Tone
Notably, Quebec rejected the GNL Québec project in 2021, and Ottawa followed suit in 2022. The earlier Energy East pipeline, aimed at moving Alberta oil to New Brunswick, was cancelled in 2017 amid opposition.
However, momentum may be returning. Last week, Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was open to new pipeline development—if it has national support.
Still, caution remains. Former environment minister Steven Guilbeault argued existing infrastructure like the Trans Mountain pipeline remains underutilized, with usage sitting at approximately 76% in late 2024. He also referenced forecasts indicating global oil demand could peak by 2029.
Federal Voices Split on Energy Direction
Guilbeault, now leading the culture portfolio, maintains that building new pipelines isn’t urgent. Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet echoed this sentiment, calling such projects irrelevant without clear market demand or credible promoters.
In contrast, Smith criticized federal inconsistency. She acknowledged that new Energy Minister Tim Hodgson has been positively received by industry stakeholders but expressed concern over competing voices within Ottawa.
“Which voice will shape the future—those calling for restraint, or those who see Canada as a global energy power?” Smith asked.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more on Canada’s evolving energy landscape.
