Alberta & Ontario Propose Cross-Canada Pipeline to Cut U.S. Dependence

The governments of Alberta and Ontario have proposed a major new cross-Canada crude oil pipeline designed to strengthen national energy security and lessen the country's reliance on U.S. transit infrastructure.

The proposed 3,300-kilometer (2,051-mile) route, dubbed the Northern Shield Energy Corridor, would link the Western Canadian oil hub in Hardisty, Alberta, directly to the central refining center in Sarnia, Ontario.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled the initiative, which aims to keep Canadian energy within domestic borders.

Initial plans project the pipeline will transport approximately 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day for both domestic consumption and foreign exports, with room to expand capacity to 800,000 barrels daily.

As part of the broader strategy, Ontario is also examining the creation of its own strategic petroleum reserve.

In a joint statement, the two provinces noted that decreasing reliance on foreign oil imports through Northern Shield would help stabilize national energy prices while bolstering national security.

The proposal mirrors the former Energy East project, which was shelved over a decade ago. A fully domestic cross-country line allows producers to bypass U.S. soil entirely.

Currently, Canadian crude flows through U.S. cross-border lines like Enbridge Inc.’s Line 5 before returning north into Quebec.

A comprehensive feasibility study exploring commercial viability and project costs is expected to wrap up by the end of the year. Ford noted that while private investment is preferred, government-backed development remains on the table.

Efforts to bypass U.S. infrastructure have intensified following ongoing trade friction initiated under U.S. President Donald Trump, driving Canadian politicians—including Prime Minister Mark Carney—to prioritize export diversification.

Ford confirmed the proposal is currently under review by the federal Major Projects Office to streamline regulatory pathways.

The Northern Shield proposal is the latest in a wave of new pipeline initiatives that could add over 2 million barrels per day of Western Canadian transport capacity.

Smith expressed full confidence in local producers' ability to expand output to fill the lines.