Carney Knew of South Bow's Keystone XL Plans Before White House Meeting: Reuters Exclusive
An exclusive report from Reuters has revealed that former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney was aware of South Bow Corp.'s intentions regarding the Keystone XL pipeline before a critical White House meeting. This disclosure raises significant questions about the transparency and potential influence in high-level energy policy discussions between Canadian corporate interests and U.S. political figures.
Details of the Exclusive Report
According to Reuters, Mark Carney, who has served as a United Nations special envoy on climate action and finance, possessed knowledge of South Bow Corp.'s plans for the controversial Keystone XL pipeline project prior to attending a meeting at the White House. The meeting, which occurred in early 2026, involved discussions on North American energy cooperation and climate initiatives.
South Bow Corp., a major Canadian energy company, acquired pipeline assets including those related to the Keystone XL project in 2025. The Keystone XL pipeline has been a subject of intense political debate for over a decade, facing opposition from environmental groups and shifting regulatory approvals under different U.S. administrations.
Implications for Energy Policy and Transparency
The revelation that Carney was informed about South Bow's Keystone XL plans before the White House meeting suggests potential coordination between corporate stakeholders and influential political figures. This has sparked concerns about whether such prior knowledge could have shaped the agenda or outcomes of the discussions regarding cross-border energy infrastructure and climate policy.
Carney's dual roles as a climate advocate and someone with advance knowledge of corporate pipeline plans create a complex narrative about the intersection of environmental policy and economic interests. The report does not specify how Carney obtained this information or whether he disclosed it during the White House meeting.
Background on Keystone XL and South Bow Corp.
The Keystone XL pipeline project, originally proposed to transport crude oil from Alberta to Nebraska, has faced numerous legal and regulatory challenges. South Bow Corp., following its acquisition of related assets, has been evaluating options for the pipeline's future, including potential modifications or alternative routes that might address environmental concerns.
This development comes at a time when both Canada and the United States are navigating competing priorities of energy security, economic development, and climate commitments. The involvement of high-profile figures like Carney adds another layer to the ongoing debate about how these priorities are balanced in policy discussions.
The Reuters exclusive report underscores the need for greater transparency in how corporate plans are communicated to and potentially influence political dialogues on critical infrastructure projects with significant environmental and economic implications.
