Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford outlined the next steps for the proposed Northern Shield energy corridor during a joint appearance in Calgary on Monday.
The pipeline would transport crude oil directly from Alberta to a refinery hub in Sarnia, Ontario, bypassing potential regulatory hurdles in the United States.
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Economic assessments will determine whether the multi-billion-dollar project relies on private investment or taxpayer funding.
Ford emphasized his commitment to advancing the cross-provincial project through provincial assessments.
"Wouldn't it be great, folks, if we could bring this pipeline right across the country?" Ford said.
The Ontario leader also expressed his vision for expanding energy infrastructure beyond current midwestern targets, calling the prospect "absolutely beautiful."
The infrastructure plans follow a broader trend of interprovincial energy agreements, including a separate oil export deal between Alberta, Ottawa, and British Columbia.
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Smith highlighted the strategic advantage of securing early investor interest for the domestic energy route, stating, "Canada is once again open for business."
The leaders also addressed political relations during the media conference, where Ford dismissed speculation about federal leadership campaigns.
"I wasn't campaigning," Ford said, noting that local attendees had merely requested photographs during his visit to the Calgary Stampede.
"People asked for pictures, I took pictures," he added.
Ford concluded by criticizing past federal resource policies and their impact on western provinces, saying they "treated Alberta like garbage."
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A feasibility study regarding the finalized northern pipeline route and environmental assessments is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
