Despite political support for a new oil export pipeline from Western Canada, no major company has stepped forward with a proposal to build one. This absence of a proponent comes as the federal government prepares to launch a new office aimed at fast-tracking major infrastructure projects.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said in June that there was "no proponent" for a new pipeline but expressed confidence that one would soon emerge. However, that has yet to happen. 

This lack of a project proposal is happening even as Ottawa is set to open its Major Projects Office in Calgary, with Prime Minister Mark Carney signaling that a new pipeline project is "highly, highly likely" to be on its initial list of nation-building initiatives.

Alberta's Minister of Energy and Minerals Brian Jean told Canada's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson on Friday that he was encouraged by Ottawa's eagerness to help expedite a new export pipeline to the British Columbia coast.

"I'm glad to see they recognize the need for that pipeline, the demand for that pipeline and the reality of that pipeline getting to tidewater would be so good for B.C., for Alberta and truly good for Canada," Jean said.

The lack of a company stepping forward is understandable, given the complexity and cost. Only a handful of companies have the expertise and financial capacity to undertake a project that could cost tens of billions of dollars and take a decade to complete. 

The history of troubled projects, such as the Trans Mountain expansion, which faced significant delays, cost overruns, and protests, may also be a deterrent.

Grant Sprague, a former deputy minister for energy in Alberta, said companies need to do extensive due diligence before proposing a project, including planning the route and securing contracts from oil producers.

"It's not a 15-minute conversation and we are off to the races," he said.

The federal government’s Major Projects Office is intended to streamline the regulatory process. However, some experts note that market conditions may also be a factor. 

Andrew Leach, an energy and environmental economist at the University of Alberta, said that while Alberta's oil production continues to grow, oil prices have been relatively weak compared to historical averages.

"You have a lot of reasons why proponents aren't coming forward," Leach said.

Warren Mabee, director of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Policy at Queen's University, also noted that a new project would likely face significant public opposition despite the economic benefits of a new pipeline being substantial. 

This could also be a factor discouraging companies from moving forward.