A newly proposed oil pipeline connecting Alberta and Ontario creates opportunities for future expansion into the Maritimes. If you live in Saint John, this development directly impacts your local energy sector and refinery operations.

The Northern Shield Energy Corridor is a 3300 kilometre line designed to transport oil to refineries in Sarnia, Ontario. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently agreed to proceed with a feasibility study for the project. This study concludes by the end of the year.

Capacity and Economic Impact

The pipeline moves an estimated half a million barrels of oil per day. It features the capacity to expand to 800,000 barrels daily. Ford notes this brings new capacity to Ontario refineries and creates jobs for Canadian workers.

“The Northern Shield Energy Corridor would move an estimated half a million barrels of oil per day with the ability to expand to 800,000 barrels per day, bringing new capacity to Ontario refineries and delivering critical redundancy for existing pipelines, while creating good paying jobs for Canadian workers along the entire road,” says Ford.

Potential Expansion to the Maritimes

Ontario looks beyond its borders for the future of this energy corridor. Ford supports expanding the pipeline to Quebec and the Maritimes. He calls the potential expansion beautiful for East Coast provinces. However, he emphasizes that elected officials east of Ontario must make the final decision.

“I think that would be absolutely beautiful,” says Ford. “It would be beautiful for East Coast provinces and would be beautiful for the people of Quebec as well. But that is up to them. I am going to focus on Ontario and building this pipeline to Ontario, and then it is up to the elected officials east of Ontario to make that decision.”

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith points out that existing infrastructure already moves oil to Quebec. She says the new line increases those shipments and supports Eastern Canada. Smith adds this creates opportunities to feed eastern refineries and export to Europe.

“This is an opportunity for us to support Quebec with existing infrastructure, and we will be looking at seeing whether or not those ships can make it up and over and go to Eastern Canada to feed those refineries and whether we would be able to go on to Europe,” says Smith.

Funding the Billion Dollar Project

The project costs run into the billions of dollars. Ford keeps all funding options open, including government support. He plans to reach out to the private sector but remains willing to use government funding to get the project done.

“We will reach out to the private sector, but we will not hesitate to do what the government in Canada and Alberta is doing,” says Ford. “So, let us take a look at all options, and once we have an answer, we will have this done by the end of the year.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Northern Shield Energy Corridor?

It is a proposed 3300 kilometre oil pipeline designed to transport oil from Alberta to Ontario refineries.

Will the pipeline reach New Brunswick?

Ontario Premier Doug Ford supports expanding the pipeline to the Maritimes. East Coast officials must approve any local expansion.

How much oil does the pipeline carry?

The pipeline transports 500,000 barrels of oil per day. It has the ability to expand to 800,000 barrels.

When does construction begin?

Officials have not set a construction date. A feasibility study concludes by the end of the year.