Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals -Instagram Photo
FORT McMURRAY — Alberta Energy Minister Brian Jean says the new federal provincial energy agreement marks the most significant economic breakthrough the province has seen in decades, calling the announcement a turning point for both Alberta and his own region in the north.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith signed the memorandum of understanding Thursday in Calgary. The deal pledges federal support for a new West Coast bitumen pipeline with Indigenous co ownership, lifts clean electricity regulations for Alberta and scraps the planned emissions cap for the oil and gas sector. In return, Alberta will raise its industrial carbon price and work with Ottawa on major emissions reduction projects, including the Pathways carbon capture network.
Jean said the scope of the agreement is transformational, describing it as larger than any federal fiscal measure offered to Alberta in a generation. He said new pipeline capacity, combined with expansions to existing systems, could push production toward 4.6 million barrels per day and add millions more if construction begins within the next several years.
He said the deal represents the largest infrastructure build Canada has seen from coast to coast and will generate billions for both Alberta and Ottawa every year. Jean also emphasized that Indigenous ownership and employment tied to the project could be a generational economic boost for First Nations involved, pointing to Fort McKay as an example of a community that has built successful companies and strong local revenues through energy partnerships.
Jean said coastal communities stand to benefit as well, with opportunities for tugs, welding, pipefitting and technical work tied to a new export route. He added Alberta will be better off under the agreement, which he praised for scrapping what he described as restrictive federal electricity rules while recognizing the province’s leadership in methane reduction.
He said Alberta now has a clear federal commitment that improving emissions intensity will be matched by support in getting Alberta resources to market. The minister also pointed to the economic potential of the Pathways carbon capture project, which could involve up to $10 billion in investment and support future industrial growth.
Jean said communities in northern Alberta have endured a difficult decade, citing the downturn, major wildfires, flooding and the economic disruptions of remote work camps. He argued the agreement puts the region back on a path toward stability and growth, noting that nearly $150 billion in economic activity is generated locally by a population of fewer than 70,000 people.
He said the region needs investment, flexible rules and strong public private partnerships to reach its potential, and that Thursday’s announcement is a step toward that goal.
“People underestimate how technically advanced we are in Alberta. We’re creating wealth in the north every day, creating jobs and creating for all Canadians and especially Albertans.”
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