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ARTICLE · 03 DECEMBER 2025

Canada-Alberta MOU: A Grand Bargain On Climate And Pipelines?

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On November 27, 2025, Alberta and Canada signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that includes federal support for a pipeline through northern British Columbia (BC)...

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On November 27, 2025, Alberta and Canada signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that includes federal support for a pipeline through northern British Columbia (BC), predicated on a collaborative framework for climate and energy regulation and project development.

The MOU advances the pipeline project important to Alberta and in return requires certain middle ground climate policies and Pathways — a major carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) project. The MOU promotes pipeline co-ownership by Indigenous governments but does not require Indigenous consent.

The MOU represents a grand bargain between Ottawa and Alberta to move from conflict to collaboration on pipelines and climate. More work will be required to convince BC and Indigenous governments on the merits of another pipeline to the west coast. Without additional engagement, any new pipeline could be caught in prolonged legal challenges.

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