Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a new set of “nation-building projects” on Thursday, but an oil pipeline from Alberta was notably absent from the agenda. This omission has led to growing frustration in western Canada, particularly as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stated her government is still collaborating with Carney's administration to push for a bitumen pipeline to the coast.

Grant Fagerheim, CEO of Whitecap Resources, expressed concern over the lack of prioritization for a pipeline, warning of potential backlash from Alberta and Saskatchewan. “What I want to hear from (Carney) is that we’re prepared to advance our products to international markets without a discount price,” he said in a recent interview. He emphasized the need for pipelines to facilitate this process, noting that Alberta and Saskatchewan are the only landlocked provinces in Canada. “That’s why we need (Ottawa’s) assistance to break down the regulatory barriers so we can get our products to market,” he added.

Fagerheim explained that the current situation allows American companies to sell Canadian oil and gas as export commodities while benefiting from lower domestic gasoline prices. Whitecap, which ranks as the seventh largest oil and natural gas producer in Canada, is not involved in oilsands production. However, Fagerheim supports Smith's push for a bitumen pipeline, advocating for a broader energy corridor that would transport various commodities, including natural gas, oil, rail, and electricity across provinces.

He also believes in the importance of maintaining strong ties with the United States. “I don’t believe in the ‘elbows up’ analogy. I think that’s a mistake,” he stated. Fagerheim, who left his home in Estevan, Saskatchewan, at 17 to pursue a hockey career, emphasized the interconnectedness of Canada and the U.S. “You know, we’re continentally connected to the United States of America, the largest economy in the world. We’re going to say we’re going to go a different direction?” he questioned.

Fagerheim expressed hope that Canadians are beginning to recognize the long-term necessity of oil and gas development. He noted that even influential figures like Bill Gates are shifting their perspectives on climate issues. However, he acknowledged that there is still work to be done in educating the public about the energy sector. “If these resources were located in eastern Canada or central Canada, this would be a different game,” he remarked.

He lamented the negative perception of the energy sector, stating, “I think we’ve been demonized. I think the energy sector has been demonized.” He argued that many do not understand how responsibly resources are developed in western Canada. “From an emissions profile perspective, I think that people think, ‘Well, it’s just dirty oil.’ It’s not.” Fagerheim highlighted the significant investments made by oil and gas producers in western Canada to reduce emissions, citing the largest carbon sequestration project in the world located in Weyburn, Saskatchewan.

With a career spanning four decades, Fagerheim has navigated the volatile oil and gas industry, including a recent $15 billion merger between Whitecap and Veren Inc. He explained that Whitecap primarily produces light oil, with 62 percent of its output being light oil and liquids, and 38 percent natural gas. Despite the current pricing environment, he noted that 94 percent of the company’s revenue comes from oil.

In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Fagerheim joined the Alberta Next panel this summer, which aims to discuss provincial sovereignty and economic protection from federal policies. He co-founded the Buffalo Project in 2018 to address federal policies that hinder energy development.

When asked about separatist sentiments in Alberta, Fagerheim stated, “I would not be a proponent of separation. The ‘51st state’ comment; I think that’s aggressive. I’m not personally a supporter of that.” Instead, he advocates for a framework that allows provinces to develop and monetize their resources effectively for the benefit of all Canadians, while expressing dissatisfaction with the current equalization payments system. He firmly believes that joining the United States is not the solution to Canada’s challenges.