Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is pursuing what she describes as "sensitive negotiations" with Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding pipeline projects, despite Alberta's notable absence from the federal government's latest round of approved major developments.
Federal Project Announcement Excludes Alberta
On Thursday, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced five new "nation-building" projects that his government will fast-track near Terrace, British Columbia, close to Prince Rupert. This marks the second consecutive month that Alberta has been excluded from the Liberal government's major project initiatives, following a similar snub in the initial round of announcements.
The newly approved projects include an LNG terminal near Prince Rupert, critical minerals mines in New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario, plus a significant hydroelectric development in Iqaluit. Notably absent from this list is any major pipeline project that would benefit Alberta's energy sector.
Strategic Approach Rather Than Confrontation
Unlike previous Alberta premiers who might have responded with aggressive rhetoric or threats to cut oil supplies to central Canada, Premier Smith has adopted a more diplomatic stance. She publicly expressed approval of Carney's announced projects while emphasizing that pipeline discussions with the federal government are continuing.
According to sources close to the premier, Smith and Carney have agreed to proceed delicately with negotiations due to concerns about potential revolts from left-leaning elements within the Liberal caucus. There are also worries that an outright rejection of pipeline projects could spark an effective separatist movement in Alberta.
Calculated Patience in Alberta's Strategy
The Alberta cabinet has apparently decided to give Prime Minister Carney time to maneuver support for pipeline projects around his environmentally-focused caucus members. The strategy involves avoiding actions that might provoke the "greenies" within the Liberal party by refraining from angry reactions to Alberta's exclusion from the nation-building initiatives.
This approach represents a significant departure from traditional Alberta-federal government dynamics, where confrontational tactics were often employed when the province felt its economic interests were being overlooked. The current negotiations reflect a more nuanced understanding of the political challenges facing the Carney government while still advocating for Alberta's energy infrastructure needs.
As these delicate discussions continue, Alberta officials are walking a fine line between advocating for the province's economic interests and understanding the political constraints facing the federal Liberal government.
