LAKELAND - The governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario have signed a Memorandum-of-Understanding (MOU) that will involve the three provinces working together to build new pipelines.
The pipelines, according to information from the government of Alberta, will be built along a route that will connect western Canadian oil and gas to new and existing refineries in southern Ontario, as well as a new deep-sea port on James Bay. The MOU also calls for new rail lines to connect critical mineral deposits situated in Ontario’s Ring of Fire region to ports in Western Canada.
Last week, Brian Jean, MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche, and the provincial Minister of Energy and Minerals, praised the new agreement.
“The MOU signed between Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan is a step towards economic growth, and prosperity of our country and province, especially in northeastern Alberta,” Jean told Lakeland This Week. “I’m pleased to see our provinces come together to work on nation-building projects.”
These ‘Team Canada’ type discussions, Jean explained, will advance major projects in Canada’s energy, mining, and manufacturing sectors, including building pipelines, and ensuring that the country’s resources can get to the markets that need them.
“Not only will this help build a stronger, more connected Canada, it will help build an energy future that strengthens energy security, creates job growth, and increases prosperity for generations to come,” said Jean.
According to the government of Alberta, the agreement reinforces joint efforts to push back against policies from the federal government that block nation-building projects to collectively speed the progress of pipelines, rail, transmission, infrastructure, and other significant projects across Canada’s energy, mining, and manufacturing sectors.
These measures include dramatically revising or rescinding the Impact Assessment Act, as well as repealing the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, Clean Electricity Regulations, the Oil and Gas Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap, along with all other federal programs that selectively impact the energy sector and sectors such as mining and manufacturing.
Premier of Alberta Danielle Smith said action is being taken to grow the economy, build real infrastructure, and get major projects moving.
“Alberta is proud to lead the way in uniting with provinces that share a vision for responsible development, economic freedom and common sense,” Smith said. “We’re standing up for our oil and gas sector and making sure our world-class resources reach the markets that need them.”
Together, Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan are showing what is possible when provinces step up, said Smith.
“This agreement is about building a stronger, more connected Canada, one project at a time,” the premier added.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the agreement sends a clear message that the three provinces are ready to get shovels in the ground and move forward on projects that will secure the country’s long-term prosperity.
“As the world grapples with President Trump’s unfair tariffs, it’s more important than ever to build a resilient and self-reliant economy here at home,” Ford stated.
The MOU, according to Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, commits the participating provinces to work together to unlock new markets, shore up supply chains from mine to port, and advocate for the federal reforms the energy industry needs.
“We are sending a clear signal that Canada’s energy future will be built by Canadians, for Canadians,” Moe said. “By advancing pipelines, rail connections and critical-mineral processing capacity, we are safeguarding thousands of jobs, strengthening our energy security, and fostering sustainable growth.”
As explained in information from the Alberta government, the agreement builds on the foundations of the MOU signed by Smith and Ford during the 2025 Calgary Stampede. The purpose of this MOU is to strengthen interprovincial trade, drive major infrastructure development, and grow Canada’s global competitiveness through energy and trade infrastructure.
“By signing this new agreement Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario are demonstrating what it takes to keep Canada competitive in a changing world,” according to information from the province of Alberta.
