Premier Smith tells PM Carney that Albertans, industry getting ‘impatient’

CTV News’ Jeremie Charron on the key takeaways from Carney and Smith speaking to the media as referendum talks loom across the province.

OTTAWA – Standing in his office Friday morning, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith told Prime Minister Mark Carney that Canadians in her province, and industry stakeholders, are “getting a bit impatient” when it comes to plans to get major projects moving.

Speaking about the memorandum of understanding (MOU) – the energy co-operation pact outlining conditions for a new oil pipeline connecting Alberta to the Pacific Coast to proceed – Smith said the two parties have “had some really constructive conversations.”

But now, she has told Carney that “if we’re going to move forward with that MOU, I hope it happens in the next number of days.”

Signed by the province and the federal government last year, Smith said they “still have a few things to work out, and I hope that we can get to the finish line.”

“I know industry is getting a bit impatient. Albertans are getting a little bit impatient,” Smith said.

Smith, who made the comments ahead of a closed-door meeting with Carney, is in Ottawa to speak at 2026 Canada Strong and Free Networking Conference, went on to say that completing the MOU would be a needed demonstration to Alberta – facing a surge in separatist sentiment – that “Canada can work.”

Speaking before Smith, Carney thanked her for making the time to meet and touted the progress being made.

“We’re working to make Canada work better for Albertans and for all Canadians. And when Canada works, well, it’s good for the world,” the prime minister said.

The meeting between the two leaders comes as the province of Alberta and the federal government have blown past their initial negotiation deadline to fulfill certain elements of the MOU by April 1.

Announcements have already been made on some elements, including an agreement to streamline environmental impact assessments and a commitment by Alberta to cut methane emissions by 75 per cent from 2014 levels by 2035.

Among the reported sticking points has been coming to an agreement around Alberta signing on to an industrial carbon pricing agreement that would “ramp up to a minimum effective credit price of $130 per tonne.”

Smith signalling impatience also comes on the heels of news that Carney’s government intends to table legislation that would expedite the regulatory approval process for all big energy and infrastructure projects, beyond those designated projects in the national interest.

The Liberals are expected to soon announce consultations on proposed changes to environmental laws that would help see the prime minister uphold his commitment to reduce the decision process for these major development proposals down to two years.

Earlier this week, Alberta passed provincial legislation – the “Expedited 120-Day Approvals Act” – which Alberta Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean “can put regulators on a clock” to approve major projects, while maintaining Indigenous consultations and environmental protections.

“This act will provide regulatory certainty for investors and ensure major projects in Alberta get built,” Jean told CTV News in a statement Thursday. “We are encouraged to hear that Ottawa may be considering following Alberta’s lead to prioritize the approval process of key energy projects.”

With files from CTV News’ Stephanie Ha, Spencer Van Dyk, and Vassy Kapelos