Prime Minister Mark Carney declared that his nation-building agenda is gaining momentum, responding to criticism from British Columbia Premier David Eby regarding a potential pipeline to the province's coast. Speaking at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade on Wednesday, Carney emphasized a forward-looking approach.
Carney's Message to Critics
"What we're trying to accomplish, and I think we're really getting momentum now across the country, is we don't want to hear what people are against, we want to hear what they're for," Carney said during a Q&A session. "And if you're for something, we will get behind you."
The prime minister's remarks came after last week's signing of an "implementation agreement" with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, which outlines federal support for a one-million-barrel-per-day pipeline to the BC coast. The agreement includes conditions such as Alberta raising its industrial carbon tax to $140 per tonne by 2040 and reducing emissions through the Pathways carbon capture project. However, no private proponent has yet stepped forward, though the deal promises fast-tracked regulatory approval by fall 2027.
Eby's Criticism
Premier Eby has criticized the deal, citing a lack of consultation with British Columbia. On Tuesday, he also alleged that Alberta is receiving special treatment due to separatist sentiments in the province. Carney, however, pointed to the number of BC projects under review in the Major Projects Office, noting that one-third of the 22 nation-building projects are located in British Columbia.
"We're getting big things done, 22 nation-building projects and strategies referred to that major projects office," Carney said. He highlighted BC's role in critical minerals, electricity, artificial intelligence, and liquefied natural gas as part of his government's economic agenda.
Mastering Energy, Mastering Destiny
"When we master energy, we master our destiny," Carney told the business audience. When asked about navigating pipeline criticism within BC, Carney emphasized the importance of initial conversations with Coastal First Nations and the premier, which can lead to adjustments. However, he added, "it's a big country" and "there's lots of things going on. If things get stalled here, we're going to be spending more time elsewhere in the country, because we need to move forward."
Both leaders spoke to reporters ahead of their meeting in Vancouver. Eby stated, "I have no doubt in mind that the prime minister is a friend to British Columbia," but stressed that "development work we're doing, of developing the economy, has to go hand in hand with environmental protection for the next generation, including the north coast tanker ban."
