Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said on Thursday she is 'skeptical' of a southern route for a new pipeline from Alberta to British Columbia, following reports that the federal government prefers a southern corridor over a northern one.
Speaking to reporters, Smith noted that a southern route would require extensive environmental assessments and could face significant opposition from local communities and Indigenous groups. 'I think we need to be very careful about how we proceed,' she said, without providing further details on specific concerns.
The comments come amid ongoing discussions about expanding pipeline capacity to transport Alberta's oil to the Pacific coast. The federal government has not officially confirmed its preference, but sources indicate that a southern route, potentially following existing infrastructure corridors, is being considered.
Smith emphasized that Alberta remains committed to ensuring its resources reach global markets, but she stressed the importance of a thorough review process. 'We need to get this right,' she added.
