Smith presses Carney on pipeline agreement and project approvals

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith met with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa on Thursday to discuss federal–provincial energy cooperation and major infrastructure project approvals.

Smith said Albertans and industry investors are growing frustrated with delays tied to large-scale projects. She called for an oil pipeline and energy cooperation memorandum of understanding to be finalized within days.

According to Smith, some conditions tied to the agreement between the federal and Alberta governments were supposed to be completed by April 1, a deadline that has already passed. She also argued that demonstrating the federal system can work for Alberta is important amid growing separatist sentiment in the province.

Reports indicate the two sides remain divided over industrial carbon pricing policies. The federal government is preparing legislation aimed at reducing approval timelines for major projects to two years, while Alberta has already passed its own Expedited 120-Day Approvals Act.

The meeting comes as political and economic pressure continues to build around energy investment, pipeline capacity and federal regulation in Alberta. Further discussions between both governments are expected in the coming weeks.