The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that Ottawa designated a proposed pipeline to the West Coast from Alberta a project of national interest on Thursday. A triple-bylined item led by Emma Graney says this opens the door for what will likely be intense consultations and negotiations with indigenous communities along the route, with some first nations leaders already voicing concerns about the plan. Prime Minster Mark Carney made the announcement on a frosty morning in Fort McMurray, Alta., alongside Premier Danielle Smith and indigenous leaders from various communities in the region, including Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi. It marked the first official designation of a project of national interest under the Building Canada Act, which provides an accelerated pathway through regulatory approvals with the support of the federal government. The process will be led by Ottawa's Major Projects Office with support from the Canada Energy Regulator. The MPO aims to finalize conditions for the pipeline by Sept. 1, 2027, leading to a construction process and the pipeline being operational by 2032. Trans Mountain Corp. and the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission will form a new company with Pembina Pipeline.