Alberta and Ottawa have sealed a new “grand bargain” – a long-awaited memorandum of understanding that could pave the way for a major new bitumen pipeline to B.C.’s remote northwest coast.

Joining West of Centre host Kathleen Petty to dissect this week’s deal are Gitane De Silva, former CEO of the Canada Energy Regulator; Emma Graney, Globe and Mail energy reporter; and Mike McDonald, former chief of staff to B.C. premier Christy Clark and co-host of Hotel Pacifico, a podcast focusing on politics on the West Coast.

They discuss the dramatic shift in the relationship between Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ottawa; the MOU’s "impossible-is-now-possible" dynamic; a fascinating subplot that’s forming for the federal Conservatives, who represent the riding where a bitumen pipeline may end its long-distance run from Alberta; and why achieving this agreement was likely the easiest step in a marathon process.

Host: Kathleen Petty | Producer and editor: Diane Yanko | Guests: Gitane De Silva, Emma Graney, Mike McDonald