Prime Minister Mark Carney is anticipated to present a plan for an oil pipeline to northwest B.C. on Thursday, amid efforts by his team to reassure nervous MPs and a cabinet minister about the benefits of an upcoming agreement with Alberta. A key aspect of the discussions involves the future of Steven Guilbeault, the minister of Canadian identity and culture. According to sources, ongoing talks between Guilbeault and the Prime Minister’s Office have revealed his concerns about potential compromises on government climate policies to reach a deal with Alberta. There have been internal worries that Guilbeault, a former environment minister, might consider resigning; however, current sources indicate he is opting to stay, believing he can achieve more by participating in the negotiations.
Additionally, Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson recently briefed B.C Liberal MPs on the specifics of the impending memorandum of understanding between Ottawa and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, which has stirred unease among some politicians even prior to its official release. During the meeting, Hodgson engaged in an extensive dialogue with caucus members, addressing queries about Ottawa’s proposals for Alberta and the commitments the federal government expects in return. Despite a somewhat candid and tense briefing, one MP described the session as informative but suggested that such discussions should have occurred earlier.
The Coastal First Nations, a coalition of nine First Nations opposed to a B.C. pipeline, strongly opposes the project, expressing concerns about potential spills and vowing to resist any attempts to establish the pipeline. Meanwhile, former Alberta premier Jason Kenney highlighted the economic benefits of a proposed pipeline to the B.C. coast, emphasizing the potential financial gains for both the provincial and federal governments. Not all B.C. Liberals are in opposition to the negotiated terms, with some MPs expressing support for the prime minister’s initiatives.
Conservative MP Aaron Gunn emphasized the importance of approving a new Pacific pipeline to reduce dependence on the U.S. oil market, labeling any alternative as a compromise with American interests. Gunn’s sentiments echo concerns about Canada’s heavy reliance on U.S. oil exports, emphasizing the need for strategic action to safeguard national interests and support domestic workers in the energy sector.