The Trans Mountain pipeline, a contentious issue in Canadian politics, has reached a milestone. According to recent reports, the pipeline has reached full capacity for the first time since its expansion was completed, boosting its total carrying capability to 890,000 barrels daily.
Demand for the pipeline has exceeded capacity, highlighting the need for increased infrastructure to meet growing demand for Canadian oil exports to lucrative markets in Asia. This development comes as the Alberta government continues to push for the construction of a new pipeline from Alberta to a Pacific port.
Notably, this development contradicts statements made by British Columbia Premier David Eby and former cabinet member Steven Guilbeault, who suggested maximizing the use of existing infrastructure rather than building a new pipeline. Their stance was made in May 2025, when the pipeline's capacity was not being utilized to its full potential.
Fast-forwarding to the present, it appears that Eby and Guilbeault's concerns may have been premature. The Trans Mountain expansion has been instrumental in priming the pump for future sales to Asian markets, with turbulence in world oil markets due to the Iran war making Canadian oil more attractive.
The question now remains: will the most high-profile opponents of a new pipeline retract their opposition in the face of reality? The Alberta government has agreed to grant exemptions from certain federal regulations and offers a potential pathway to a new pipeline to B.C., but the pipeline plan remains highly contingent on buy-in from groups such as Eby, First Nations, and Guilbeault's green constituency.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has been vocal about the pipeline plan, but it remains to be seen whether he will take concrete action to support the project. The crickets may be chirping, but the question remains: what is it going to be?
