Parsing the premier’s pipeline announcement and how this issue is shaping Alberta politics

In this week’s episode of The Line: Alberta Podcast, Rob Breakenridge takes a closer look at the big pipeline announcement last week from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Basically, the Alberta government intends on acting as the main proponent in a pipeline application in the hopes that Ottawa will pick up the ball and green light such a project through the Major Projects Office. 

But there are a lot of specific details lacking here and a lot of questions as to how this will all work. There is no doubt, though, that there is a tremendous amount of political symbolism surrounding a new major project, and this all comes as the Alberta Next process winds down and other more domestic issues threaten the premier’s attempts to keep the relationship with Ottawa at the forefront.

In this episode, Rob chats with Max Fawcett, Calgary-based lead columnist for Canada’s National Observer. We’ll get his thoughts on the strategy behind the premier’s announcement and if her goal and preference is to get a deal with Ottawa or continue to clash with the feds. Plus, what next for Alberta Next as well as the possibility of a potential separation referendum?

Chapters

• 0:00 Intro
• 0:41 Max Fawcett
• 34:33 Outro