Alberta Premier Jim Prentice says a pipeline to Alaska through the Yukon has the territorial government’s support. But the plan is missing a crucial ingredient - a company that wants to build it.
In an interview with Bloomberg published this week, Prentice said that he is in discussions with Alaska, Yukon and the Northwest Territories about a potential pipeline route.
“Our province needs pipelines in every direction,” he said, according to the article.
“We are pushing on tidewater access in every conceivable venue.”
Yukon government spokesperson Dan MacDonald confirmed that some discussions have taken place, but said the work is very preliminary.
“The Alberta government has contacted the Yukon regarding the pipeline referenced by Premier Prentice.
“We support projects that promote economic opportunity for Yukoners, but at this point there are no plans for the development of a pipeline.
“Pipelines aren’t built by governments, they’re built by companies, and at this time there’s no proponent that has stepped forward on any sort of idea of a pipeline project.”
Any new pipeline proposals for the territory would require the involvement of First Nations with traditional territory along the route, he said.