Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Thursday that a proposed pipeline to transport oil from Alberta to the Pacific Coast would not alter the existing ban on oil tankers in northern British Columbia. This assurance comes as the Canadian government prioritizes pipeline expansion to diversify oil exports and address long-standing grievances in Alberta.

Details regarding a potential pipeline route are expected from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith later Thursday. The federal government has made increasing pipeline capacity to the Pacific a key objective. This initiative aims to reduce Canada's reliance on U.S. markets for oil exports and respond to sentiment in Alberta, which has felt hindered by previous government policies impacting its energy sector and fueling separatist discussions.

Alberta is scheduled to hold a public vote in the fall concerning a potential referendum on secession from Canada. The construction of a pipeline is viewed as a measure to mitigate these separatist sentiments.

Carney stated, "The tanker ban will remain in place. We will be protecting the northern coast of British Columbia." He also indicated that British Columbia would be compensated for environmental risks if a pipeline is built in the southern part of the province.

British Columbia Premier David Eby confirmed that a commitment to uphold the northern tanker ban has been secured, thereby safeguarding the region's coast. "It ensures that the northern tanker ban remains in place, and it ensure that if a pipeline goes ahead, British Columbians are fairly compensated in the environmental risks," Eby said.

Prime Minister Carney has set a target for Canada to double its non-U.S. oil exports within the next decade. He has also suggested that a new pipeline could reduce the price differential for oil sales currently made to U.S. markets. The former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government had also opposed pipelines that would traverse northern British Columbia and the Great Bear Rainforest. Trudeau did approve a pipeline from Alberta to the southern coast of British Columbia but rejected the Northern Gateway project due to opposition from environmental groups and Indigenous communities.

Alberta possesses one of the world's largest proven oil reserves, and Canada is actively seeking enhanced access to Asian markets.