The Governments of Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan have issued a request for proposals (RFP) to explore options for establishing a new economic and energy corridor.
In July, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on building pipelines and trade infrastructure across provincial borders and into global markets to secure a path towards long-term economic growth, opportunity, and prosperity.
This new corridor being looked into through the RFP would include a new pipeline between Alberta and Ontario, bringing western Canadian oil and gas to refineries and tidewater ports in southern Ontario.
This is a defining moment for our country, Smith said.
"By advancing a Canadian energy corridor from Alberta to Ontario, we are securing long-term energy access for families and businesses, creating thousands of jobs, and opening new doors for trade and investment, while strengthening our position as a global energy leader."
"This corridor will help get Alberta鈥檚 responsibly produced energy to markets across Canada and around the world. Alberta is proud to partner with provinces that share our bold vision for a stronger, more self-reliant Canada."
The feasibility study is key to supporting industry efforts to develop strategic trade corridors and energy infrastructure to connect Alberta and Ontario's oil, gas, and critical minerals to global markets.
"The last few months have shown that Canada can no longer rely on energy infrastructure that lies outside of our borders and can be shut down at a moment鈥檚 notice by another country," Ford said.
"It鈥檚 time for us to build cross-Canada infrastructure within our borders so we can protect our energy security, find new markets for Canadian energy and resources, and create new jobs and opportunities for Canadian workers. Together, we鈥檙e building a more competitive, resilient, and self-reliant economy.鈥�
Having access to international markets is essential to the health of the economy, Moe said.
"By advancing important projects such as pipelines, rail connections, and critical-mineral processing capacity, we are safeguarding thousands of jobs, strengthening our energy security, and fostering sustainable growth."
Canada's energy security would be strengthened with a new west-east pipeline and would ensure Alberta oil and gas can move efficiently to Ontario markets without relying on foreign-controlled infrastructure.
"Reliable trade and energy infrastructure is the backbone of a strong economy. This RFP is a major step forward in developing a true nation-building corridor that connects Alberta鈥檚 resources to key markets across the country and beyond," Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen said.
Energy security is paramount to all Canadians, Minister of Energy and Minerals Brian Jean said.
"Together we can provide oil, gas, and critical minerals vital to jobs and economic growth, and ensure we have diversity of clients both within Canada and globally. This vital first step demonstrates our collective resolve to ensure we can make this happen for all provinces."
The RFP is open to companies across Canada.
In June, the Federal Government introduced Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy, including the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act, with the intention to speed up projects of national interest.
According to the feds, the acts are intended to ensure "nation-building projects complete the federal review within two years."
"We will do this by focusing these reviews on 'how' to get the project built, instead of 'whether' it should be built," they said in a release.
