Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has ruled out Kitimat, British Columbia, as a potential route for her proposed oil pipeline to the West Coast. Speaking at a news conference, Smith cited the route's complexity, stating that navigating the many channels would be too challenging. This decision comes as the premiers gather in Ottawa for the first ministers' meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. The community of Kitimat, once considered for the pipeline route, is located along B.C.'s northern coast. The local Haisla Nation has historically supported liquefied natural gas (LNG) pipelines but opposed a bitumen one, which the proposed pipeline would carry. Smith and Haisla Chief Maureen Nyce met in November to discuss these matters. Premier Smith is now exploring alternative routes, aiming for a deepwater port with minimal additional navigation requirements. She plans to have the project finalized by June and hopes for a swift decision from the federal government to proceed with the technical details.
