Canada’s Energy Minister, Jonathan Wilkinson, recently brought up the idea of discussing the potential construction of an oil pipeline to Eastern Canada, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s energy security. This proposal highlights what he describes as a significant “vulnerability” for Canada — its heavy reliance on the United States as the primary destination for its oil exports.

Wilkinson’s comments, made during a call from Washington, D.C., are set against the backdrop of trade tensions with the U.S., particularly under the presidency of Donald Trump. The threat of U.S. tariffs — including the possibility of imposing a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods and a 10 percent tariff specifically on energy products — has spurred discussions about diversifying Canada’s oil export options.

Currently, Ontario and Quebec depend on the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline, which runs through the Great Lakes region of the U.S. However, Wilkinson flagged this reliance as potentially precarious due to “uncertainty” surrounding the pipeline’s future. Line 5 is a key conduit for oil, but given the political and environmental challenges it faces, its long-term viability has been questioned.

At the same time, Wilkinson pointed to the Trans Mountain pipeline, which the Canadian government purchased in 2018. He emphasized that this project, despite the public controversies it has stirred, remains a crucial investment in Canada’s energy future, particularly in terms of access to international markets via the West Coast.

Adding a new pipeline to the East Coast could provide Canada with an alternate route for oil exports, potentially reducing dependence on the U.S. market and enabling more shipments to international destinations. This has become an even more urgent issue as trade relations with the U.S. become increasingly strained.

In response to these concerns, Quebec Premier François Legault weighed in, noting that while the province currently does not support an oil pipeline through its territory due to social and environmental opposition, the shifting landscape caused by U.S. trade policies — especially the tariff threats — could prompt reconsideration of this stance. This signals that the pressures of international trade relations might force Canadian provinces to reassess their positions on such infrastructure projects.

In essence, Canada is grappling with how to safeguard its energy future, and the notion of an Eastern oil pipeline is gaining traction as a strategic response to the volatile trade environment with its southern neighbor.