Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is fully embracing the Team Canada spirit this Stampede season, standing alongside Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford in a united front for pipeline development. The newfound alliance marks a dramatic shift from previous separatist rhetoric, as Smith now champions federal and provincial cooperation on energy infrastructure.
Northern Shield Pipeline Announced
On Monday, July 6, 2026, Smith and Ford held a joint press conference at McDougall Centre in Calgary to announce the Northern Shield, a new pipeline route from Hardisty, Alberta, to Sarnia, Ontario. The project aims to transport Alberta oil to eastern markets, with potential extensions to the Atlantic coast and north to Churchill, Manitoba. Ford described the initiative as a "big win-win-win" for Canada, though he provided few details on costs or timelines.
Prime Minister Carney, who visited Calgary earlier, has voiced support for Smith's plans for a west coast pipeline. Sources indicate Carney could fast-track the project in October, with construction potentially beginning as early as September 2027—a month before Alberta's provincial election. This timing has sparked speculation about political motivations, with critics noting the coincidence of pipeline approvals ahead of separatist votes.
From Feud to Friendship
The warm relations between Smith and Ford contrast sharply with their past clashes. In March 2025, Smith harshly criticized Ford after he suggested a tax on Alberta oil and gas exports to the U.S. At the time, Smith was labeled a "traitor" and "Trump bootlicker" by the "Elbows Up" crowd, a phrase popularized by comedian Mike Myers. Now, Ford is welcomed at Alberta conservative gatherings, with attendees rushing to take photos with him as if he were a pop star.
Speaking to reporters, Smith highlighted the economic benefits of the new pipelines. "We've seen a resurrection of a west coast pipeline option, an east coast option, and a southern option," she said, referring to routes to the U.S. She expressed confidence in overcoming skepticism, noting that past federal governments under Justin Trudeau and the NDP had blocked pipeline projects.
Unanswered Questions and Skepticism
Despite the optimism, many details remain unclear. Alberta taxpayers are still uncertain about the financial implications of the Northern Shield and other proposed pipelines. A former Alberta MLA estimated that "a quarter to a third" of Smith's own caucus opposed the pipeline deal with Ottawa. Industry analysts have given the project a "less than 50 per cent chance" of success, citing regulatory hurdles and environmental opposition.
Smith remains undeterred, arguing that the federal government can no longer block energy projects under Carney's leadership. The premier's shift from separatist rhetoric to Team Canada collaboration has surprised many, but she insists it reflects a pragmatic approach to securing Alberta's economic future.
