Story perspectives

Premiers push 800k-bpd pipeline, investors balk.

7/7/2026

Left

Smith & Ford Announce

Industry experts argue the proposed east-west pipeline is unlikely to find investors or a market for its additional oil.
Premier Danielle Smith and Premier Doug Ford announced 3,300-km Shield Energy pipeline from Hardisty to Sarnia, 800,000 barrels per day.
Richard Masson, former Alberta commission head, said the pipeline failed because Sarnia refineries are supplied.
Environmental Defence Canada’s Stephen Legault warned pipeline need public money as investors see no sense.

Right

Ford & Smith Announce

Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the pipeline a sound investment, whether funded publicly or privately.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a 2,050-mile pipeline from Hardisty, Alberta, to Sarnia, Ontario.
The line would initially carry up to 500,000 barrels per day, potentially rising to 800,000.
Smith said corridor could reach Atlantic, opening export routes to Europe and reducing U.S. reliance.

History

Historical Context

In November 2015 President Barack Obama formally rejected the Keystone XL expansion, citing climate concerns and potential damage to Nebraska’s Sandhills. The project, owned by TC Energy, was designed to move up to 830,000 barrels per day of Canadian tar-sand oil. Subsequent revocation in 2021 and the 2022 spill of 13,000 barrels illustrate the regulatory and environmental hurdles that now shadow Shield Energy’s similar route.

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Smith & Ford Announce

Industry experts argue the proposed east-west pipeline is unlikely to find investors or a market for its additional oil.
Premier Danielle Smith and Premier Doug Ford announced 3,300-km Shield Energy pipeline from Hardisty to Sarnia, 800,000 barrels per day.
Richard Masson, former Alberta commission head, said the pipeline failed because Sarnia refineries are supplied.
Environmental Defence Canada’s Stephen Legault warned pipeline need public money as investors see no sense.

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