Prime Minister Mark Carney is on the verge of finalizing a significant agreement with Alberta, sparking unease among some B.C. Liberal MPs about the potential approval of a new oil pipeline to the Pacific, sources reveal.
According to CBC News, Liberal MPs expressed concerns over being inadequately briefed on the upcoming memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, set to be signed in Calgary this Thursday. There is apprehension within the caucus that Carney may support a pipeline to northwest B.C. despite opposition from the province’s premier and certain Indigenous communities.
An unnamed MP stated that some Liberals are upset and apprehensive, warning that Carney could face a discontented caucus if he strikes a deal with Smith involving a pipeline with minimal conditions attached. Concerns were raised that constituents, particularly those skeptical of pipelines due to climate considerations, may feel let down by such a development.
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 within the party.
During a question period, Carney emphasized the importance of cooperative federalism, highlighting the necessity for the government of B.C. and Indigenous stakeholders to support any potential pipeline project.
Nova Scotia Liberal MP Darren Fisher expressed his lack of enthusiasm for pipelines, while B.C. MP Gurbux Saini stressed the importance of obtaining consent from affected Indigenous groups and B.C. Premier David Eby before commencing any construction.
Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party and a longtime opponent of pipelines, warned that the Liberals might face electoral repercussions if a new oil pipeline is constructed, despite some polls indicating majority support for such a project among British Columbians.
B.C. Liberal MP Jonathan Wilkinson, a former environment minister, urged his colleagues to exercise caution and wait for the official MOU release before drawing conclusions. He reassured that Carney is committed to securing significant buy-in from Indigenous communities and affected provinces before proceeding with major projects like the proposed pipeline.
Wilkinson acknowledged the legitimate concerns surrounding the potential development and emphasized the need for constructive dialogue to address these issues effectively. He also highlighted the importance of revising the climate agenda if another major pipeline is constructed to mitigate resulting emissions.
Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith advocated for unleashing the province’s natural resources sector to boost the economy and diversify trading relationships by exporting more oil to Asian markets.
The anticipated Canada-Alberta agreement is expected to outline a potential path for the northwest B.C. oil pipeline, subject to conditions such as Indigenous consultation by the proponent and negotiations with the B.C. government.
Carney’s commitment to reducing emissions in the Alberta oil sector includes supporting the Pathways Plus project, a carbon capture, utilization, and storage initiative based in Alberta. Additionally, the industrial carbon tax remains a focal point of the Liberal government’s climate action plan, with plans to strengthen it as outlined in the recent federal budget.