With Prime Minister Mark Carney set to finalize a significant agreement with Alberta later this week, concerns have emerged among some B.C. Liberal Members of Parliament regarding the potential approval of a new oil pipeline to the Pacific, according to sources. CBC News reports that Liberal MPs have expressed unease about not being fully briefed on the upcoming memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, scheduled to be signed in Calgary on Thursday. There is apprehension within the caucus that Carney might support a pipeline to northwest B.C., despite strong opposition from the province’s premier and certain Indigenous communities.
An unnamed MP disclosed that some Liberals are deeply discontented, while another warned that Carney could face discontent within the caucus if he strikes a deal with Smith that includes a pipeline with minimal conditions. Some MPs fear disappointing their constituents who prioritize climate change and are skeptical of pipelines.
To address these concerns, Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson is expected to provide a briefing to B.C. Liberal MPs on Wednesday morning in an attempt to alleviate worries. Responding to inquiries from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre about the likelihood of a new pipeline being constructed, Carney emphasized during question period that the agreement with Alberta does not represent the final decision. He stressed the importance of gaining approval from the government of B.C., Indigenous rights holders, and all stakeholders involved.
Nova Scotia Liberal MP Darren Fisher expressed his lack of enthusiasm for pipelines, while B.C. MP Gurbux Saini emphasized the necessity of obtaining consent from Indigenous groups and B.C. Premier David Eby before proceeding with the pipeline project. Saini advocated for Eby’s inclusion in the discussions with Alberta.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May cautioned that the Liberals could face electoral repercussions if a new oil pipeline is developed. She highlighted the potential loss of seats for backbenchers, although surveys indicate that a majority of British Columbians support the construction of such pipelines.
B.C. Liberal MP Jonathan Wilkinson, a former environment minister, urged his concerned colleagues to refrain from making premature judgments about the undisclosed MOU. He underscored the importance of waiting for the official release of the agreement and expressed confidence in Carney’s commitment to obtaining significant buy-in from Indigenous communities and affected provinces.
Wilkinson acknowledged the legitimacy of concerns surrounding the potential project and emphasized the necessity of addressing them gradually. He stated that discussions on the development should be encouraged and mentioned the possibility of revising the climate agenda if a major pipeline is built.
In parallel, Alberta Premier Smith has urged Carney to capitalize on Alberta’s natural resources sector to boost the economy and diversify Canada’s trade relationships by exporting more oil to Asian markets. The proposed agreement between Canada and Alberta is likely to outline a framework for the B.C. oil pipeline project.
Carney remains open to considering the pipeline project under specific conditions, including thorough Indigenous consultation by Alberta and negotiations with the B.C. government. The federal government is contemplating granting exemptions to the existing B.C. oil tanker ban and may utilize its authority under the One Canadian Economy Act to facilitate tanker access for the proposed pipeline.
The agreement also includes a commitment to reducing emissions from Alberta’s oil sector. Carney is determined to advance the Pathways Plus project, a carbon capture initiative based in Alberta. Additionally, he supports the industrial carbon tax as a key component of the government’s climate strategy, with plans to strengthen it according to the latest federal budget.