Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has told Prime Minister Mark Carney that Albertans and major industry players are growing increasingly impatient as negotiations continue over a federal and provincial energy cooperation agreement. According to CTV News, Smith made the remarks in Ottawa on Friday before a private meeting with Carney, where the two leaders discussed the future of major energy and infrastructure projects.
The focus of the discussion was a memorandum of understanding between Alberta and the federal government that outlines conditions for advancing a new oil pipeline connecting Alberta to the Pacific Coast. Smith said the two sides have had constructive talks, but she made it clear that Alberta wants to see the agreement finalized within days rather than weeks.
Smith said completing the agreement would send an important message to Albertans at a time when separatist sentiment has been rising in the province. She argued that progress on major projects would help demonstrate that Canada can still work for Alberta and support the province’s energy sector. For more Canadian political and business coverage, visit Weekly Voice.
Carney responded by highlighting the federal government’s efforts to improve the way Canada works for Alberta and the rest of the country. He said progress is being made and framed the discussions as part of a broader push to strengthen Canada’s economy and its role on the world stage.
The meeting comes after Alberta and Ottawa missed an April 1 deadline connected to several elements of the energy agreement. Some progress has already been announced, including plans to streamline environmental impact assessments and Alberta’s commitment to reduce methane emissions by 75 percent from 2014 levels by 2035.
One reported point of disagreement involves industrial carbon pricing, including a possible minimum effective credit price of $130 per tonne. The issue remains politically sensitive in Alberta, where industry leaders have been pressing for greater certainty and faster approvals for major developments.
The federal government also announced consultations on proposed changes to environmental laws that would shorten the review and decision timeline for major energy and infrastructure projects. Ottawa said the goal is to ensure federal reviews take no longer than one year once a project proponent has submitted all required information.
According to CTV News, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon will lead consultations with Indigenous Peoples, provinces, territories, and the public. LeBlanc said the reforms are intended to give investors and project proponents more predictability while supporting economic growth.
Alberta has already moved in a similar direction by passing the Expedited 120 Day Approvals Act, which gives provincial regulators a timeline for approving major projects while maintaining Indigenous consultation and environmental safeguards. Alberta Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean said the legislation is designed to provide regulatory certainty and help major projects move ahead faster.
The exchange between Smith and Carney reflects a growing national debate over how Canada can balance resource development, environmental regulation, Indigenous consultation, and economic competitiveness. More updates on federal and provincial developments can be found through Weekly Voice Canada coverage
