Trans Mountain pipeline tolls could leave feds on the hook for billions in further costs

While approximately 70 per cent of the project's cost overruns will be borne by Trans Mountain, the remaining third—more than $9-billion—is considered 'uncapped costs' which increase tolls based on a formula agreed to by shippers and approved by the Canada Energy Regulator more than a decade ago.

While an oil pipeline was not on the list of 'projects of national interest' that the prime minister released on Sept. 11, Energy Minister Tim Hodgson said the government is prepared to work towards such a project.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY SHAWN MCCARTHY

September 22, 2025

OTTAWA—A battle over Trans Mountain pipeline tolls could leave the federal government on the hook for billions of dollars in further costs, a red flag around financing for any new oil export project that Ottawa is considering.

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