An independent Alberta could force new pipelines through British Columbia to tidewater.
Claimed by: Commonly stated by Alberta independence advocates
False: False as written according to the settled evidence. How we rate.
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.
UNCLOS gives landlocked states freedom of transit but requires it to be agreed with transit states, which retain full sovereignty over their territory.
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.