N.B. premier supports prioritizing pipelines at meeting as Alberta seeks non-East Coast routes

So called ‘nation building projects’ were at the top of the agenda as Canada’s Premiers met in Saskatoon.

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt says she’s interested in what may come from pipelines being front-and-centre at meetings between the prime minister and first ministers, as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith looks for potential pipeline ports away from Eastern Canada.

Prime Minister Mark Carney asked the premiers to bring ideas and priorities for “nation-building” projects to the meeting in Saskatoon.

Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe have indicated pipeline capacity as their top-line items.

Before entering the meeting Monday, Holt was asked by reporters where she stood on pipelines being prioritized.

“We’re really interested in getting that kind of infrastructure from coast-to-coast-to-coast,” said Holt. “We want to make sure all of Canada can benefit from its resources. So, when we look at the kind of partnerships that are coming from the east, they include that kind of infrastructure.”

In May, Holt listed her meeting priorities as including a push on critical mineral development, modular home construction, and port capacity for increased trade. As for pipelines, Holt said it would require buy-in from several sectors.

In recent months Quebec Premier François Legault has been open to a discussion about pipelines.

“If there’s a project going through Quebec we will study it,” said Legault. “That’s all what I said.”

Smith told reporters her attention was shifting on pipeline developments going to ports in northern British Columbia and Manitoba, avoiding Quebec.

“I’m interested in working with partners who want to work with me,” Smith said before entering the meeting. “I got to work where I think we’re going to have the most success. And where I think we’ll have the most success right now is working on a corridor between Hudson Bay and Prince Rupert. I’m hoping we can get some common ground on that.”

Smith defended tying pipeline support to national unity, as musings ramp up from some Alberta residents about separating from Canada.

“You have to understand just how damaged Alberta is by the fact that we didn’t get pipelines built,” said Smith, referring to the failure of past proposed projects including Energy East.