Mark Carney Funds Ocean Protection Ahead of Pipeline Decision

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a $1.2 billion investment on Tuesday to protect West Coast oceans. The funding includes expanded Canadian Coast Guard monitoring and a national marine-mammal oil spill response plan. This move comes just before a Thursday deadline for the federal government to decide if a proposed $44 billion oil pipeline and marine export tanker terminal at Roberts Bank in Delta should be designated a project of national interest.

Such a designation would fast-track the environmental assessment process for the project, potentially allowing construction to begin as early as fall 2027. The pipeline was first announced in July by Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. The project would be 90% owned by the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada, with Pembina Pipeline Corp. holding a 10% stake.

Support for the project comes from the B.C. NDP and Conservatives, who argue it will boost the economy and reduce reliance on U.S. trade. Conversely, the B.C. Greens and the Raincoast Conservation Foundation oppose the project, citing potential habitat destruction in the Fraser River estuary.