Giving Pacific Link a national-interest designation does not settle the disputes standing between a government announcement and a working pipeline.

The Associated Press reported that most Indigenous communities consulted were not prepared to support the project’s listing, raising concerns about the route, environmental effects, marine shipping and treaty rights. The Canadian Press also reported that a senior federal official considered a court challenge likely. 

Ottawa’s agreements with Musqueam add another issue governments must explain clearly. They recognize rights and establish arrangements for fisheries, stewardship and marine management. The public deserves to understand how these arrangements will interact with the proposed pipeline terminal and increased tanker traffic.

There are also legitimate questions about accountability surrounding Diana Fox Carney’s appointment as Canada’s ocean envoy and chair of the 2027 Our Ocean Conference. The prime minister’s wife holds an unpaid position connecting ocean conservation, climate policy, Indigenous leadership and maritime security.

Being unpaid does not remove the need for transparency. Canadians deserve clear answers about her authority, reporting responsibilities and safeguards against potential conflicts. 

Meanwhile, Alberta’s own project page confirms that construction has not started. Early construction could begin in September 2027, but only after Indigenous consultation and the necessary approvals and permits. That is a conditional timetable, not a guaranteed start date.

The public also deserves a complete accounting of the proposed Indigenous ownership arrangements. Ottawa and Alberta have offered Indigenous communities at least 10 per cent ownership supported by loan-guarantee programs.

How much borrowing will governments guarantee? What additional grants, consultation funding or other commitments will accompany the project? Who absorbs the losses if construction stalls, costs climb or revenues disappoint?

A loan guarantee is not a cash gift. It creates a potential public liability if the borrower cannot repay. Governments should disclose that exposure alongside direct spending, loans and subsidies so taxpayers can see the complete picture.

Private participation also needs a closer look. Pembina has announced a 10 per cent economic interest through construction, with an opportunity to acquire another 10 per cent after commercial operations begin. But its own disclosure says it retains full discretion over its final investment decision and will have no development capital at risk before that decision. Publicly owned Trans Mountain is responsible for development, construction and operation.

Smith has added another major dependency by tying pipeline construction to the Pathways carbon-capture project. Alberta’s new export capacity now depends on two enormous developments securing financing and proceeding together.

Separate estimates put the pipeline at $35.2 billion to $43.7 billion and Pathways at $20 billion to $30 billion. Adding those ranges produces a combined potential capital cost of $55.2 billion to $73.7 billion. 

The political benefit arrives much sooner. The announcement precedes Alberta’s Oct. 19 vote on whether to hold a separation referendum, giving Smith and Carney an opportunity to present federal-provincial co-operation as an answer to separatism. That political advantage is immediate; construction remains conditional.

Pacific Link will demand sustained political effort, substantial financing and resolution of difficult disputes. There is ample reason to doubt whether governments can deliver everything they have promised.

Albertans should judge this bargain by completed milestones, disclosed costs and pipe in the ground.