Canada’s West-East Pipeline Debate: Obstacles, Opportunities, and a Changing Geopolitical Landscape
Following President Trump’s threatened tariffs, Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson highlighted Canada’s energy infrastructure vulnerability, specifically its reliance on U.S. pipelines for oil transport to Ontario and Quebec. This dependence necessitates discussions regarding the feasibility and necessity of a new west-to-east pipeline to enhance energy security. While not advocating for immediate construction, Wilkinson suggests exploring this option, emphasizing the need for inclusive consultations with Indigenous communities and other stakeholders. The Trans Mountain expansion, bypassing the U.S., serves as a positive example of such energy diversification.