Alberta is preparing to submit an initial proposal for a new oil pipeline to the West Coast to Ottawa's Major Projects Office this week, despite having no private-sector proponents on board.
Two sources familiar with the matter confirmed that the province is pursuing a fast-tracked federal consideration process independently, bypassing the traditional model where corporate developers lead the charge.
The decision underscores the urgency with which Alberta is seeking to expand its export capacity, even as it faces significant headwinds.
The lack of private backing suggests that market conditions or regulatory hurdles have deterred major energy firms from taking the lead, forcing the provincial government to step in as the primary advocate for the project.
This development occurs against a backdrop of heightened political tension between Alberta and the federal government.
Premier Danielle Smith has recently announced plans for a non-binding referendum in the fall to gauge public support for the province's independence from Canada.