TORONTO (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday fast-tracked a proposed oil pipeline capable of carrying one million barrels a day to the Pacific coast, which could reduce the country’s dependence on the United States and mend relations with oil-rich Alberta as separatists push for a referendum on leaving Canada.
Appearing with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in Fort McMurray, at the heart of Canada’s oil sands, Carney designated the Pacific Link pipeline as a project of national interest under legislation his government enacted to accelerate major infrastructure projects.
A bid to keep Alberta in Canada
Alberta is holding a public vote on Oct. 19 on whether to hold a referendum on leaving Canada. Smith has long complained that Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, hindered Alberta’s energy industry and fueled separatist sentiment.
Smith said she would vote to keep Alberta in Canada and described the roughly 22% support for separation recorded in a recent poll as “still too high for my liking.”