Prime Minister Mark Carney announced billions of dollars in federal funding for energy, mining and transportation projects in British Columbia, while reaffirming a ban on oil tankers loading on the province's north coast. The move aims to bolster Premier David Eby's priorities and soften the impact of Alberta's anticipated bid to build a new crude oil pipeline through B.C.'s mountainous terrain.
Federal Funding Package for B.C.
The Canada-British Columbia Cooperative Prosperity Agreement includes $3.5 billion for the North Coast Transmission Line, a project to deliver clean power to critical mineral mines and natural gas export infrastructure in the remote northern region. Another $500 million is earmarked to expand the Red Chris Mine, a copper mine in northern B.C., and $3 billion for the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project, an eight-lane highway tunnel under the Fraser River near Vancouver.
Carney also pledged support for upgrading and expanding B.C.'s ports, as well as accelerating permitting and financing for liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals, including the second phase of LNG Canada and the new Ksi Lisims terminal near the Alaska border.
Tanker Ban Maintained
Carney confirmed that his government will uphold the existing ban on oil tankers loading on B.C.'s north coast. The route for Alberta's proposed pipeline has not been finalized, and it remains unclear whether the tanker ban entirely rules out a northern corridor for the project.
“Canada and British Columbia will work together to accelerate the projects that will unlock Canada’s full potential as a global energy superpower – starting with LNG,” Carney said in prepared remarks.
Alberta Pipeline Proposal
Carney is scheduled to travel to Calgary on Thursday for an evening announcement with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, where they will unveil details of a formal pipeline proposal to ship oil sands crude to Asian markets. The announcement follows Carney's earlier meeting with Eby in Vancouver.
Eby stated that the cooperative agreement does not require his government to support any pipeline proposal from Alberta, but acknowledged that the province lacks constitutional authority to block it. “We will not be going to court to fight a pipeline project. Instead, we will ensure we fulfill our constitutional obligations in good faith. Pipelines are federal jurisdiction. That’s why this agreement matters,” he said.
