Premier Danielle Smith hints at new royalty framework, optimistic about U.S. trade talks

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeLocal NewsPolitics Premier Danielle Smith hints at new royalty framework, optimistic about U.S. trade talks Smith said she is working with the federal government to 'de-risk' pipeline project to encourage private sector involvement Author of the article: By Cindy Tran Published Sep 10, 2026 Last updated 2 hours ago 3 minute read Join the conversation Premier Danielle Smith speaks at a press conference in Calgary on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. PHOTO BY DARREN MAKOWICHUK /Postmedia Article content Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says to ensure that a West Coast pipeline comes to fruition, the province has been focused on restoring private-sector confidence, hinting that a new royalty framework will be announced later this fall. Article content Speaking at Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association (AIHA) conference in Edmonton, Smith told the room she is working with the federal government to “de-risk” the project to encourage private-sector involvement. Alberta is partnering with Trans Mountain Corporation and Pembina Pipeline to develop the project. Article content Article content Article content “We have to encourage our producers that this is a real and lasting change, so that they can make the investments that are going to be multi-billion dollars, lasting over 30, 40, 50 years,” Smith said on Thursday. Article content Headline News Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content “They have to have that confidence that they’re going to be able to get the return on investment. So that’s why everything that we’re doing between us and the federal government is so important.” Article content The province is also planning to announce its new royalty framework some time in November. Article content Alberta submitted the West Coast pipeline project to the major projects office and is expecting it to be listed as a project of national interest by Oct. 1. Article content On her social media, Smith said Ottawa announced that new oilsands facilities and gas-fired electricity plants will no longer be regulated under C-69, dubbed the “no more pipelines bill,” and projects will now be left to provinces to regulate and approve. Article content Smith wrote that this now fulfils…