Alberta finds itself notably absent from Prime Minister Mark Carney's list of nation-building projects announced during Grey Cup week, leaving the province without the economic victories Premier Danielle Smith had been seeking.
Failed Deadline for Alberta
Premier Smith had set a clear deadline for the federal government, demanding that Prime Minister Carney include a bitumen pipeline to the west coast on his list of priority projects to be fast-tracked. The deadline coincided with Grey Cup week, creating expectations among Albertans that significant progress would be announced.
Smith also demanded the Liberal government scrap or substantially modify anti-oilpatch laws implemented under former prime minister Justin Trudeau. These demands represented key objectives for Alberta's energy sector and economic future.
Other Provinces Benefit While Alberta Gets Nothing
While Alberta received no projects on Carney's favoured list, three British Columbia projects made the cut, along with an Ontario mine, projects in Quebec and New Brunswick, and a hydro project in Nunavut. The announcement prompted immediate reaction from BC Premier David Eby, who didn't hesitate to comment on Alberta's exclusion.
"It is no surprise to me there is no heavy oil pipeline on the list. It is a figment of a communication person's mind in Alberta," Eby stated, adding "Let's be honest with ourselves. That pipeline is not happening and that's why it's not on the list."
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, described as Carney's buddy, expressed satisfaction with his province's inclusion in the project list.
Ongoing Negotiations Offer Some Hope
Despite the public setback, negotiations between Carney's representatives and Alberta officials continue, with both sides reportedly in the final stages of discussions. Smith indicates that the talks focus on Carney committing to eliminate or overhaul the Liberal anti-oilpatch laws while "working toward ultimate approval" of a bitumen pipeline to the west coast.
Prime Minister Carney has characterized the selected projects as initiatives that will transform Canada into an energy superpower, though Alberta's role in this vision remains unclear following the recent announcements made on November 13, 2025.
The situation leaves Alberta without any immediate wins during what many had hoped would be a celebratory Grey Cup week, though the continuing negotiations suggest the possibility of future agreements that could address the province's key concerns regarding energy infrastructure and federal regulations.
