PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. – British Columbia’s Premier has pushed back against a call from Alberta’s Premier for a new crude oil pipeline to the B.C. north coast, stating he will not support any such project that requires public funding.
The Premier of Alberta has been actively promoting the idea of a new bitumen pipeline that would terminate in Prince Rupert, framing it as a “Team Canada” initiative that could generate billions in revenue.
However, in a recent interview, B.C.’s Premier said his government would not be providing financial support. “What I don’t support is tens of billions of dollars in federal subsidy going to build this new pipeline when we already own a pipeline that empties into British Columbia,” he said.
He pointed to the existing, publicly-owned Trans Mountain pipeline, arguing it has significant additional capacity. His opposition, he clarified, is centered on the financial backing, not necessarily the concept itself, stating there is currently no private company advocating for the project.
Instead of a new oil pipeline, the B.C. Premier said his government is focused on supporting “shovel-ready” projects in the Northwest that already have private funding. He specifically listed local energy ventures like LNG Canada in Kitimat and the Nisga’a-led Ksi Lisims LNG project as priorities, alongside various mining, hydroelectric, and renewable energy initiatives.
Any proposal for a new oil pipeline to the north coast would also face a major regulatory hurdle: the federal oil tanker ban, which prohibits large crude oil tankers from stopping or loading along most of B.C.’s northern coastline.
B.C.’s Premier did say he remains open to discussions with Alberta if a private company comes forward to champion a pipeline project without seeking public money.
