The Canada-British Columbia Cooperative Prosperity Agreement, signed on July 2, 2026, by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier David Eby, aims to accelerate energy and trade corridors. However, advocacy group Let Alberta Decide argues the associated pipeline announcement is not a victory for the province. The group contends that the deal imposes conditions that make Alberta less competitive and leaves taxpayers with significant financial burdens.

Pipeline Conditions and Costs

Keith Wilson, K.C., co-lead of Let Alberta Decide, stated that while Albertans support pipelines, they do not support them at any cost. He criticized the agreement for linking the new pipeline to the Pathways carbon capture project and maintaining the North Coast tanker ban. The group also highlighted that British Columbia is seeking to force Alberta to pay toll charges to ship through the province. Wilson argued that these factors, combined with federal carbon policies, increase the marginal cost of production and make Alberta less competitive.

Economic and Competitive Concerns

Let Alberta Decide pointed to a Fraser Institute report by economist Jack Mintz, which found that carbon policies increase costs for oil, gas, and power production. Wilson noted that a pipeline does not create new barrels and that companies invest only when production is competitive. He warned that if Ottawa's Net Zero framework makes Alberta energy less competitive, the announcement becomes merely a political talking point rather than an economic solution.

Impact on Families

Tanya Clemens, co-lead of Let Alberta Decide, expressed concern over the financial implications for Alberta families. She questioned who would pay for higher production costs, power costs, carbon capture subsidies, and B.C. compensation. Clemens argued that these factors, along with federal borrowing, make life less affordable and push the financial burden onto future generations.

The Government of Canada has announced an expanded air transport agreement with Mongolia, permitting direct flights between the two nations for the first time. The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, revealed that the expanded agreement is designed to promote trade diversification, facilitate people-to-people ties, and strengthen supply chains. This development is expected to boost tourism and fuel economic growth in both countries.

Under the terms of the expanded agreement, airlines from both Canada and Mongolia are permitted to operate up to three weekly passenger-combination flights. Additionally, the deal provides for unlimited weekly all-cargo flights. The agreement also grants open fifth freedom rights for all-cargo flights, allowing airlines to operate flights between two foreign countries as long as the flight originates or terminates in the airline's home country.

The original Canada-Mongolia Air Transport Agreement was concluded in 2018, and this marks the first expansion of that pact. The Government of Canada continues to work on new and expanded air transport agreements to improve international connectivity. Currently, Canada has air transport agreements or arrangements covering more than 125 countries.

The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, emphasized that the agreement will strengthen two-way commercial ties and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and exporters. This move supports Canada's trade diversification agenda and contributes to a more connected global economy. The expanded rights are intended to provide more options for travellers and shippers alike.

Key Provisions of the Expanded Agreement