Manitoba Premier Open to 3,300-KM Alberta-Ontario Pipeline

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said at a Charlottetown premiers conference that he is open to the proposed west-to-east oil pipeline from Alberta to Ontario, arguing it could strengthen Canada and that local workers would be eager to contribute. He stressed that any major project must be pursued the right way, with environmental safeguards and Indigenous governments brought on board. The proposal, announced by Alberta’s Danielle Smith and Ontario’s Doug Ford, envisions a 3,300-kilometre line from Hardisty, Alberta to refineries in Sarnia, Ontario, with capacity around 500,000 barrels per day, and could include a mineral transport corridor as part of the plan. Ontario is expected to complete a feasibility study later this year, with costs and schedules to be determined. Kinew reiterated that his stance does not signify a change in his government’s position but emphasized the need for Indigenous engagement and environmental reviews. Several reports and briefings from Canadian press outlets mirror his cautious openness to the project while underscoring the conditions for moving forward.