Ottawa will need other ways to cut emissions to compensate for oil pipeline: Farrell

OTTAWA — The head of the major projects office says Ottawa will need new ways to cut emissions to meet its climate goals because the proposed Pacific Link oil pipeline will emit more than the Pathways carbon capture project will sequester.

Dawn Farrell, CEO of the major projects office, answered questions from MPs during an appearance before the House of Commons environment committee on Tuesday.

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Citing the energy agreement between Canada and Alberta, Farrell told the committee the Pathways project is expected to reduce emissions by 16 million tonnes a year.

An analysis by Environment Canada, submitted to the committee and provided to The Canadian Press, projected the emission reductions from Pathways at 22 million tonnes a year.

Environment Canada also estimated that transporting an extra million barrels of oil a day through the new pipeline would increase emissions by 27.7 million tonnes.

To meet its 2030 target under the Paris Agreement, Canada still needs to reduce emissions by 227 million tonnes, according to the latest estimates from 2024.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 28, 2026.

Nick Murray, The Canadian Press