The government of British Columbia claims it has been completely excluded from rumoured negotiations between the federal government and Alberta regarding a new heavy oil pipeline to B.C.'s north coast. Premier David Eby revealed he learned about the potential deal through a news report, not through official government channels.
No Consultation with B.C. or First Nations
In a statement delivered on Thursday, Premier Eby expressed his concern that not only was his government left out of the discussions, but First Nations in the region have also not been consulted by the federal government. Eby emphasized his preference to focus on energy projects that have already secured a place on Prime Minister Mark Carney's major projects list, such as the Ksi Lisims LNG terminal and the North Coast hydro transmission line.
"Real jobs and prosperity are put at risk from this extremely early stage and unfunded proposal of a heavy oil pipeline," Eby told reporters. He stressed that this is a risk that neither British Columbia nor Canada can afford to take at this time. The Premier has repeatedly warned in recent weeks that First Nations support for other critical projects could be withdrawn if the federal government attempts to force an oil pipeline through without proper consultation and consent.
Coastal First Nations Voice Strong Opposition
The lack of consultation extends to the communities most directly affected by such a project. Haida President Gaagwiis Jason Alsop confirmed that coastal First Nations have not been approached regarding the potential for a new pipeline. He voiced strong support for the federal government to maintain the existing oil tanker ban along B.C.'s northern coast, a measure that the eight member nations of the Coastal First Nations and the provincial government have consistently advocated for.
"In reality, it's not a feasible project. It's a non-starter. And it is not something that's again, supported by either the Coastal First Nations or by the British Columbia government," stated Alsop, making the position of the coastal communities unequivocally clear.
A Revived Pipeline Proposal and Political Negotiations
The rumours of a new pipeline accord emerged from a report by the Globe and Mail on Wednesday. The publication indicated that Ottawa and Alberta were close to finalizing a new energy agreement. This accord was said to include supportive language for constructing a new pipeline from the oilsands near Fort McMurray to B.C.'s north coast, following a route alarmingly similar to the failed Northern Gateway project.
The original Northern Gateway project was officially cancelled in 2016 after facing immense opposition from First Nations and environmental groups, primarily over the catastrophic risk of an oil spill in the pristine waters of British Columbia. The project's cancellation was followed by the implementation of a formal oil tanker ban on the north coast by former Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
According to reports, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have been engaged in discussions since the federal election last spring about a potential "grand bargain." This deal would theoretically permit the construction of a new heavy oil pipeline in exchange for significant federal investment in decarbonizing the oilsands, likely through carbon capture and storage technologies.
Will Greaves, the Liberal MP for Victoria, provided a small glimpse into the federal perspective, noting that he and his colleagues have been given minimal information. He stated that the prevailing understanding is that any potential pipeline project would require the support of both British Columbia and local First Nations, and must align with Canada's overarching climate goals.
