Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce was in Sarnia, Ontario on July 15, 2026 to announce a proposed new pipeline that would connect Alberta’s oil sands directly to the Sarnia-Lambton region. The 3,300-kilometre Northern Shield Energy Corridor would run from Hardisty, Alberta through Saskatchewan, Manitoba and northern Ontario without crossing into the United States. Local leaders say the project would bring jobs and energy security to the region.
If built, the pipeline would start by moving about 500,000 barrels of oil each day, with room to grow to 800,000 barrels daily. It would use Ontario steel and Ontario workers. Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey said the project would reinforce the community’s role as one of Canada’s most important energy hubs. Sarnia is already home to three major refineries and has been central to Canada’s oil industry since North America’s first commercial oil well was discovered at nearby Oil Springs in the 1850s.
But not everyone is on board. Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige said First Nations were blindsided by the plan and that early talks were little more than an email blast. She is calling for the project to be paused so Indigenous communities can be properly included. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has already refused to join, saying large projects must start with Indigenous partnership. Environmental Defence also argues the pipeline is really about growing oil exports, not protecting Ontario families. No price tag or private backer has been named yet.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who first shared the idea alongside Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on July 6, 2026, has said the province could own the pipeline if needed. A study looking at whether it is possible has cost $11 million so far and is set to wrap up by the end of 2026.
