An independent Alberta could force new pipelines through British Columbia to tidewater.
Stated by: Commonly stated by Alberta independence advocates
Summary
Building pipelines to the coast is hard inside Canada and would likely be harder outside it. As an independent state, Alberta would need agreements with Canada and British Columbia to cross their territory; international transit rights for landlocked states must be negotiated and respect the transit state's sovereignty. Analysts note Canada would have both the ability and the incentive to price pipeline access to capture much of the value, leaving Alberta worse off, not in control.
Evidence
Legal experts say the claim of a guaranteed right to build pipelines through B.C. is misleading; transit access would still have to be negotiated with Canada and B.C.
The Week (constitutional crisis analysis) (opens in a new tab)
UNCLOS gives landlocked states freedom of transit but requires it to be agreed with transit states, which retain full sovereignty over their territory.
UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Part X) (opens in a new tab)
Analysts note that after independence Canada would have the opportunity and motive to price pipeline access to claim most of the royalty gains now flowing to Alberta.
The Globe and Mail (51st state analysis) (opens in a new tab)