British Columbia Premier David Eby has voiced strong disappointment following Saskatchewan-based Nutrien Ltd.'s decision to build a $1 billion potash export terminal in Washington state rather than using British Columbia ports.
Economic Decision Sparks Interprovincial Tension
The fertilizer giant's choice of Longview, Washington, located on the Columbia River, over potential B.C. locations like Prince Rupert or Vancouver has created significant political friction between the two provincial leaders. Eby revealed his reaction to reporters on Monday, stating he was "really disappointed" by the corporate decision that will see valuable Canadian exports routed through American infrastructure.
According to Nutrien's assessment, the Washington location makes more financial sense for multiple cost-related reasons, though specific details weren't disclosed. The company's analysis concluded that shipping through Longview provides economic advantages over utilizing Canadian West Coast ports.
Political Fallout and Missed Opportunities
The potash terminal controversy emerges alongside revelations that Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe participated in discussions about an oil pipeline through B.C. with Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith - conversations from which Eby was notably excluded.
"I almost fell out of my seat when I heard Scott Moe say that he was part of these conversations — which I was completely unaware of — about what happens in B.C.," Eby told CBC's David Cochrane last Thursday. The B.C. leader expressed particular frustration that Moe wasn't focused on collaborating to move Saskatchewan potash through Canadian ports.
Security Concerns and Economic Implications
Eby raised additional concerns about the security of choosing a U.S. export route, noting that Saskatchewan potash could become subject to the "whims" of President Donald Trump. The American leader could potentially impose tariffs on the exports or shut them down entirely, creating significant uncertainty for Canadian producers.
"It is the worst of both worlds," the premier declared, emphasizing that the entire country would benefit from investing in port expansion on Canada's West Coast. Eby argued that keeping export infrastructure within Canada provides more stability and economic benefits for all provinces.
The B.C. leader questioned why Moe would pursue pipeline discussions for Alberta oil rather than collaborating on potash export solutions through B.C. ports, suggesting the Saskatchewan premier should explain this priority to his constituents.
Eby confirmed he has had numerous conversations with Moe but noted the Saskatchewan premier never raised the need to work with Nutrien on its terminal location decision, representing what the B.C. leader views as a significant missed opportunity for interprovincial cooperation.
