B.C. Premier David Eby stated that Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed to him in a conversation on Thursday that the rumors regarding a possible alternative southern route for an oil pipeline from Alberta did not originate from his office.
The speculations emerged in a recent article by The Globe and Mail, citing two undisclosed federal government sources indicating Ottawa’s inclination towards a southern B.C. pathway for the pipeline.
Addressing reporters, Eby mentioned that Alberta Premier Danielle Smith had not raised this proposal with him, and the only suggested route known to him is to the North Coast, a plan vehemently opposed by both the B.C. government and First Nations. Eby emphasized that supporting such a route is not feasible.
During the discussion with Carney, the leaders also touched upon Canada’s trade relations with the United States, particularly regarding U.S. discontent with B.C. and other provinces imposing bans on American liquor as negotiations for the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) commenced. Eby reaffirmed that the decision to reintroduce liquor sales is a provincial matter contingent upon resolving trade issues.
Carney, earlier that day in Ottawa, underscored the importance of negotiating a mutually beneficial agreement with the U.S., stressing that concessions would need to be made on both sides. He highlighted existing trade disputes, such as tariffs on steel, aluminum, automobiles, and forest products, as significant concerns that violate trade agreements.
B.C. Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar welcomed Carney’s remarks on softwood lumber, emphasizing the industry’s often overlooked challenges in previous discussions. He expressed the province’s determination to advocate for addressing softwood lumber issues during the CUSMA renegotiations.
Regarding the liquor ban, B.C. Restaurant and Food Services Association President Ian Tostenson expressed reservations about the adverse impact on B.C.’s hospitality industry due to the ban on American liquor, suggesting that the costs outweigh the benefits. He argued for allowing wholesale customers to purchase liquor of any nationality, even if B.C. opts to maintain the ban on provincial store shelves.
Minister of Jobs Ravi Kahlon echoed similar sentiments, expressing skepticism about the efficacy of reintroducing U.S. products to B.C. Liquor Stores in advancing trade negotiations. Despite Canadian concessions on reciprocal tariffs, Kahlon noted the lack of reciprocation from the U.S. on key matters like forestry, indicating a reluctance to change B.C.’s stance until substantial progress is made.
These discussions underscore the complexities of trade relations and the need for careful consideration of provincial interests in the ongoing negotiations.
[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/eby-talks-pipeline-rumours-liquor-ban-with-carney-9.7175473)