Former Alberta MLA Drew Barnes claims a significant portion of Premier Danielle Smith's United Conservative Party (UCP) caucus opposes the government's memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Prime Minister Mark Carney for a new West Coast oil pipeline.

Barnes, who served in the Alberta legislature from 2012 to 2023, asserts that multiple UCP MLAs disagree with the deal, which includes commitments to increase Alberta's industrial carbon tax and fund a costly carbon capture and storage hub.The MOU also settles on a southern pipeline route instead of the previously desired northern route closer to Asian markets.

Jason Stephan, a Red Deer MLA, has publicly criticized the agreement, arguing it lacks business sense and fails to reduce Ottawa's influence over Alberta.

Barnes estimates over a dozen caucus members quietly agree with Stephan's concerns, though the party's leadership structure makes changing direction difficult.The deal, announced during a joint appearance with Carney in Calgary, faces scrutiny over its economic implications and environmental commitments.