Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan premiers have announced a new memorandum of understanding to construct new pipelines using Ontario steel and build new rail lines to transport critical minerals from northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire to Western Canada.

Announced on Tuesday, July 22, the agreement aims to bolster energy independence and resource development across Canada. 

Ontario Premier Doug Ford hailed the deal as a "game changer," emphasizing its focus on shipping Western Canadian oil to southern Ontario refineries and a new deep-sea port in James Bay.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressed support for the initiative, noting her discussions with Prime Minister Mark Carney about Canada becoming an energy superpower. 

Smith called for the repeal of "nine bad laws" she claims are hindering business investment. 

"I’m supportive of pipelines north, east, and west; I want to see them all built," Smith said, advocating for increased reliance on Alberta oil in Eastern Canada to reduce foreign imports.

British Columbia Premier David Eby, who was not part of the agreement, indicated his government's past opposition to oil pipelines but stated he would consider a project if it had a proponent and private sector funding.

Meanwhile, the prospect of pipelines through Quebec faces significant hurdles. Charles-Édouard Têtu, a climate energy policy analyst at Équiterre, noted strong public opposition and Quebec's desire for energy autonomy. 

"What Ontario and Saskatchewan are bringing up is pretty much reheated projects the Quebecers have opposed before," Têtu said. Despite this, Ford expressed optimism about persuading Quebec Premier François Legault to support the pipeline project.