In the upcoming days, Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to finalize a significant agreement with Alberta, potentially involving the approval of a new oil pipeline to the Pacific, causing unease among some B.C. Liberal MPs, as per sources.
CBC News reports that Liberal MPs have expressed concerns about not being fully informed about the impending memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, set to be signed in Calgary on Thursday. There is apprehension within the caucus that Carney might support a pipeline to northwest B.C., despite opposition from the province’s premier and certain Indigenous communities.
According to unnamed MPs who spoke with CBC News, there is discontent and frustration among some Liberals, with fears of disappointing constituents who prioritize climate initiatives and are skeptical about pipelines if such a deal proceeds without sufficient conditions.
To address these concerns, Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson is scheduled to brief B.C. Liberal MPs on the matter on Wednesday morning, aiming to alleviate worries, a government insider revealed.
During a recent question period, in response to queries from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre regarding the actualization of a new pipeline, Carney emphasized that the agreement with Alberta is not definitive. He stressed the importance of consensus from the government of B.C., Indigenous rights holders, and all stakeholders for any major project to proceed.
Nova Scotia Liberal MP Darren Fisher expressed his reservations about pipelines, while B.C. MP Gurbux Saini highlighted the necessity of Indigenous and provincial approval before any pipeline construction commences.
Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party and a vocal opponent of pipelines, cautioned that the Liberals could face electoral repercussions if a new oil pipeline is constructed, despite some polls indicating majority support in British Columbia for such projects.
B.C. Liberal MP Jonathan Wilkinson, a former environment minister, urged his anxious colleagues to wait for the MOU to be made public before drawing conclusions. He emphasized the need for significant buy-in from Indigenous communities and affected provinces for major projects like this.
Wilkinson acknowledged the legitimate concerns raised by some MPs and stressed the importance of addressing them thoroughly. He suggested that discussions about potential developments like the pipeline are essential and could lead to adjustments to the climate agenda to mitigate emissions.
On the other hand, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has urged Carney to bolster Alberta’s natural resources sector to boost the economy and expand trade relationships by exporting oil to Asian markets.
As per recent CBC News reports, the Canada-Alberta agreement is anticipated to outline a potential route for the northwest B.C. oil pipeline. Carney is open to considering this project subject to conditions such as adequate Indigenous consultation by Alberta and negotiations with the B.C. government.
Additionally, the federal government is contemplating exemptions to the existing B.C. oil tanker ban and may utilize its authority under the One Canadian Economy Act to permit tankers associated with the proposed pipeline to bypass the ban.
A key aspect of this proposed deal is a commitment to reducing emissions from Alberta’s oil sector. Carney is focused on advancing the Pathways Plus project, a carbon capture, utilization, and storage initiative, to lessen emissions from the province’s oilsands exports.
Furthermore, Carney remains dedicated to the industrial carbon tax as a core element of the government’s climate action plan, with plans to strengthen the tax following the elimination of the consumer levy.