Alberta Pledges Pipelines and AI Progress

Published Date : 24/10/2025 

In a bold move, Alberta's government aims to end the landlocking of the oilsands by building new pipelines and boosting artificial intelligence initiatives. 

Alberta’s government has unveiled ambitious plans to end the landlocking of the oilsands by constructing new pipelines to B.C.’s northwest coast and Ontario, as announced by Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani in the speech from the throne. The government is also committed to doubling oil and gas production and enhancing Alberta's status as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI).

Kicking off a new legislative session, the throne speech outlines the provincial government’s agenda, emphasizing the importance of selling Alberta’s natural resources. The speech highlights the province’s successful diplomatic approach in dealing with U.S. tariff threats and reiterates the government’s belief in Alberta’s right to a prosperous future.

“Alberta is winning and will continue to win this battle for our freedom and provincial rights – because your government believes we are on the right side of history and Albertans will not be denied their prosperous future,” the speech states.

The speech also addresses the issue of Alberta’s sovereignty, clarifying that it does not equate to separation. Instead, the government is focused on reaching a “grand bargain” with the federal government to restore economic autonomy. This comes amid rising separatist sentiments following the Liberal win in April’s federal election, which has led to a citizen petition for a referendum on Alberta’s future in Canada.

A pro-separatist group is currently fighting in court to have a pro-separation referendum question approved by Elections Alberta. Despite these challenges, the government remains committed to its vision for Alberta’s economic growth and diversification.

Premier Danielle Smith has introduced the International Agreements Act, the government’s first bill of the session. This legislation aims to ensure that international agreements signed by the federal government will only become enforceable in Alberta if implemented through provincial legislation. Smith emphasized that while Ottawa has the right to sign international agreements, this bill will protect Alberta’s interests.

“Ottawa can sign international agreements with other countries,” Smith said at a news conference on Thursday morning. “That's their right. But this legislation makes it clear that those agreements will only become enforceable in Alberta if implemented under provincial legislation.”

The bill is modeled after a 25-year-old Quebec law and is intended to cover all international agreements in Alberta’s jurisdiction or shared national-provincial jurisdiction. While Smith did not specify a particular international agreement that Alberta wishes to opt-out of, she highlighted the negative impact of federal climate goals on the province’s economy.

The federal government has stated that some of the climate goal timelines are part of its effort to meet commitments under the 2015 Paris climate agreement. Despite this, the Alberta government is pushing for more control over its natural resources and economic policies.

Another key initiative is the government’s effort to build new pipelines. Premier Smith announced a $14-million investment to lead a technical advisory group studying a potential oil pipeline route from Alberta to the north coast of B.C. She hopes to attract private proponents and First Nations stakeholders to invest in the project. In July, Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed a memorandum of understanding to study potential new pipeline routes and rail corridors between Alberta and Ontario.

The throne speech also addresses the current deficit position of Alberta, attributing it to lower oil and gas royalty revenues. However, the government is confident that its plan to bolster the value of the Heritage Fund and foster economic diversification will reduce the province’s dependence on these revenues in the future.

“Alberta is already an energy superpower,” the speech declares. “Alberta will now also become an AI superpower, making our province a world leader in arguably the world’s two most important commodities – energy and computing power.”

The government is also focusing on immigration, with Premier Smith’s mandate to her jobs, economy, trade, and immigration minister emphasizing the need to seize more provincial control over immigration to enhance economic growth and diversification.

With these ambitious plans, the Alberta government aims to secure a prosperous and sustainable future for the province, balancing economic growth with technological innovation and environmental responsibility. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main goal of Alberta's new pipeline projects?

A: The main goal of Alberta's new pipeline projects is to end the landlocking of the oilsands by constructing routes to B.C.’s northwest coast and Ontario, thereby enhancing the province's ability to sell its natural resources.

Q: How does the International Agreements Act protect Alberta's interests?

A: The International Agreements Act ensures that international agreements signed by the federal government will only become enforceable in Alberta if implemented through provincial legislation, protecting the province’s economic and environmental interests.

Q: What is the significance of Alberta's AI initiatives?

A: Alberta's AI initiatives aim to make the province a world leader in artificial intelligence, complementing its status as an energy superpower and fostering economic diversification and technological innovation.

Q: How does the government plan to address Alberta's current deficit?

A: The government plans to address Alberta's current deficit by bolstering the value of the Heritage Fund, fostering economic diversification, and reducing dependence on oil and gas royalty revenues.

Q: What is the government's stance on Alberta's sovereignty and separation?

A: The government clarifies that Alberta’s sovereignty does not mean separation. Instead, it is focused on reaching a ‘grand bargain’ with the federal government to restore economic autonomy and protect provincial rights. 

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