Smith demands pipeline approval by fall after Venezuela conflict

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith asked Prime Minister Mark Carney to approve a one-million-barrel-per-day heavy oil pipeline to the Pacific coast by this fall and said Alberta will formally apply by June; the article reports a recent U.S. operation in Venezuela that officials say could alter heavy oil supply dynamics.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is urging the federal government to approve a new heavy oil pipeline to Canada’s Pacific coast by the fall. She raised the issue with Prime Minister Mark Carney and posted about the meeting on social media. Smith said Alberta will submit its application for a heavy oil pipeline to northwest British Columbia by June at the latest. The article reports a recent U.S. operation in Venezuela that resulted in the apprehension of that country’s leader, which officials say has altered global heavy oil dynamics. Key points: - Smith asked Prime Minister Mark Carney to expedite approval of a one-million-barrel-per-day heavy oil pipeline to the Pacific coast by this fall. - Alberta intends to submit a formal application to the Major Projects Office by June, according to Smith. - The article reports a U.S. operation in Venezuela that led to the apprehension of President Nicolás Maduro and says officials view that event as affecting heavy oil supply competition. - The article notes Canadian oil-sector market value fell in the days following the Venezuela events, reported as about $8 billion over four days. Summary: Smith frames the pipeline request as an urgent step to protect Canada’s position in global heavy oil markets after the reported U.S. action in Venezuela. The next procedural milestone reported is Alberta’s planned application to the federal Major Projects Office by June, and Smith has asked for regulatory approval by the fall.