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Canada fast-tracks Pacific Link oil pipeline to ship a million barrels a day to Asia and cut US dependence

From the Newshound archive · first published 1 October 2026 · last updated 2 October 2026.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who called the pipeline proof that "cooperative federalism can work in action," as Carney fast-tracks the Pacific Link pipeline to shift up to one…
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who called the pipeline proof that "cooperative federalism can work in action," as Carney fast-tracks the Pacific Link pipeline to shift up to one…

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has designated the Pacific Link pipeline a project of national interest, accelerating its approval to open an export route to Asian markets and reduce Canada's reliance on American buyers. The move comes with Alberta separatists pushing for a referendum vote on October 19, and Carney flew to Fort McMurray to announce it alongside Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Carney says the pipeline will shift up to one million additional barrels a day away from US-bound routes, with 90% of Alberta's oil currently flowing south to the United States.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who says she will vote to keep Canada together, called the pipeline proof that 'cooperative federalism can work in action'.

A recent poll put support for Alberta separation at around 22%, which Smith described as 'still too high for my liking'.

The fast-tracked pipeline is also expected to be a major test of Carney's credibility with global investors watching his trade-war strategy.

MoreThe IndependentCanada fast-tracks oil pipeline to reduce dependence on US and mend relations with AlbertaAPCanada fast-tracks Pacific oil pipeline to reduce US dependence as Alberta separation vote nearsThe Tribune-DemocratCanada fast-tracks Pacific oil pipeline to reduce U.S. dependence as Alberta separation vote nears - The Tribune-DemocratReutersCanada to fast track oil pipeline designed to diversify economy away from US
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