COLUMN: Understanding the Ottawa-Alberta pipeline memorandum of understanding – BarrieToday.com
Dec 15, 2025
High-stakes political agreement between PM and Alberta premier has ignited debate over climate policy, Indigenous consultation, economic viability
On Nov. 27, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding construction of a pipeline from Alberta to the northern British Columbia coast. The Prime Minister’s Office described this MOU in detail.
But what is an MOU?
Wikipedia explains an MOU is not legally binding unless this is explicitly stated. I’m no lawyer, but my reading of the Prime Minister’s Office document does not appear to say so. Rather, the prime minister states the federal government will not obstruct such a pipeline.
