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 announcement came as Alberta prepares to unveil a formal pipeline proposal to ship oil sands crude to Asian markets.
Funding for B.C. projects
The Canada-British Columbia Cooperative Prosperity Agreement includes $3.5 billion for the North Coast Transmission Line to provide clean power to critical mineral mines and natural gas export infrastructure. It also allocates $500 million 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 said the agreement is meant to boost Premier David Eby's top priorities for the province, but also serves to soften the blow of a more controversial announcement: Alberta's bid to build a new crude oil pipeline through B.C.'s mountainous terrain.
Tanker ban remains
The route of the pipeline has yet to be finalized, but Carney said his government will maintain an existing ban on oil tankers loading on B.C.'s north coast. It is unclear whether that entirely rules out a northern route for Alberta's prospective pipeline. Carney is visiting both provinces on Thursday, first stopping in Vancouver to meet with Eby and unveil the agreement, then traveling to Calgary for an evening announcement with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.
B.C. won't fight pipeline
Eby said the agreement does not require his government to support any pipeline proposal from Alberta, but he recognizes that the province does not have the 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.
LNG support
Carney also promised support for upgrading and expanding B.C.'s ports, as well as accelerating permitting and financing for liquefied natural gas export terminals, including the second phase of LNG Canada and the new Ksi Lisims terminal near the Alaska border. “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.
