THE PIPELINE SOVEREIGNTY ACT

A Bill to Declare Pipelines Strategic National Infrastructure, Establish National Routing Authority, Mandate Construction Timelines, and Ensure Indigenous Co‑Governance and Equity Participation

PREAMBLE

Whereas the prosperity, security, and sovereignty of Canada require the uninterrupted development, operation, and expansion of national pipeline systems;

Whereas pipelines constitute essential infrastructure for the transport of oil, gas, hydrogen, petrochemical feedstocks, and other strategic commodities;

Whereas delays, fragmentation, and jurisdictional conflict have historically impeded the construction of nationally significant pipelines;

Whereas Indigenous nations are essential partners in the stewardship, governance, and ownership of energy infrastructure;

Whereas Canada must ensure that approved or near‑approved pipeline projects proceed to construction without delay;

Now, therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

PART I — SHORT TITLE

1. Short Title
   This Act may be cited as the Pipeline Sovereignty Act.

PART II — INTERPRETATION

1. Definitions
   In this Act:
   (a) “Pipeline” means any infrastructure for the transport of oil, gas, hydrogen, petrochemical feedstocks, or other designated strategic commodities.
   (b) “Strategic Pipeline” means a pipeline designated under Part III.
   (c) “Corridor Authority” means an authority established under the Canada 2100 Operating Charter Act.
   (d) “Approved Project” means a pipeline project that has received all required federal approvals.
   (e) “Near‑Approved Project” means a pipeline project that has received all major approvals and is pending only minor conditions or administrative steps.
   (f) “Indigenous Co‑Governance Body” means a body constituted under the Canada 2100 Operating Charter Act.
   (g) “Build‑Immediately Clause” means the mandatory construction requirement under Part VI.

PART III — DESIGNATION OF PIPELINES AS STRATEGIC NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE

1. Strategic Designation
   (1) All pipelines transporting oil, gas, hydrogen, petrochemical feedstocks, or other designated commodities across provincial or territorial boundaries are hereby designated Strategic Pipelines.
   (2) Strategic Pipelines shall be deemed essential to the sovereignty, security, and economic stability of Canada.
2. Federal Jurisdiction
   (1) Strategic Pipelines fall under exclusive federal jurisdiction.
   (2) No province, municipality, or regulatory body may impede, delay, or obstruct the construction, expansion, or operation of a Strategic Pipeline.

PART IV — ROUTING AND APPROVAL AUTHORITY

2. Routing Authority
   (1) Routing authority for all Strategic Pipelines is vested in the relevant Corridor Authority.
   (2) Corridor Authorities may:
   (a) determine optimal routing;
   (b) modify routing as required;
   (c) expropriate land with compensation;
   (d) coordinate with Indigenous nations and provinces.
3. Approval Authority
   (1) The National Approvals Code (SNAC) governs all pipeline approvals.
   (2) A single federal approval constitutes full authorization to proceed.

PART V — INDIGENOUS CO‑GOVERNANCE AND EQUITY PARTICIPATION

2. Co‑Decision Authority
   Indigenous nations shall hold co‑decision authority in all matters relating to:
   (a) routing;
   (b) environmental stewardship;
   (c) monitoring;
   (d) long‑term governance.
3. Equity Participation
   (1) Indigenous nations shall be offered equity stakes in all Strategic Pipelines.
   (2) Equity arrangements shall be negotiated in good faith and may include:
   (a) direct ownership;
   (b) revenue‑sharing;
   (c) preferred equity;
   (d) long‑term participation rights.
4. Stewardship Roles
   Indigenous nations shall participate in environmental monitoring, safety oversight, and land stewardship.

PART VI — BUILD‑IMMEDIATELY CLAUSE

2. Mandatory Construction Start
   (1) Any Approved or Near‑Approved Strategic Pipeline must commence construction within 12 months of approval.
   (2) No federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal body may delay commencement beyond 12 months.
3. Enforcement
   (1) If construction does not commence within 12 months, the relevant Corridor Authority may assume direct control of the project.
   (2) Federal funding may be withheld from any jurisdiction obstructing commencement.
   (3) The Minister may issue binding directives to ensure compliance.

PART VII — SMR‑POWERED PUMPING STATIONS

2. SMR Integration
   (1) All new Strategic Pipelines shall incorporate Small Modular Reactor (SMR)‑powered pumping stations where feasible.
   (2) SMR siting shall be coordinated with Indigenous nations and Corridor Authorities.
3. Energy Sovereignty
   SMR‑powered pumping stations shall be deemed essential to national energy security and pipeline reliability.

PART VIII — NATIONAL SECURITY PROVISIONS

2. Security Designation
   Strategic Pipelines are hereby designated as critical national security infrastructure.
3. Protection Measures
   The Government shall:
   (a) protect Strategic Pipelines from sabotage, interference, or foreign influence;
   (b) coordinate with defence and intelligence agencies;
   (c) maintain redundancy and resilience.

PART IX — GENERAL

2. Supremacy Clause
   This Act prevails over any inconsistent federal or provincial law.
3. Regulations
   The Governor in Council may make regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
4. Coming Into Force
   This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.