British Columbia Premier David Eby has dramatically shifted his position on a proposed northern oil pipeline, moving from outright opposition to resigned acceptance following a detailed agreement between the federal government and Alberta.
From opposition to acceptance
The change in tone came just one day after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a comprehensive 2,200-word implementation plan for the pipeline project. The agreement, published on November 28, 2025, includes numerous objectives, commitments, conditions, and specific targets for moving forward with the energy infrastructure.
Eby had previously dismissed the northern pipeline concept as nothing more than "a figment of Alberta's imagination." However, when confronted with the detailed Ottawa-Alberta agreement, the B.C. premier acknowledged the project had moved beyond mere speculation.
Legal realities and new priorities
Eby conceded that British Columbia lacks legal authority to block the project if the federal government decides to proceed. "We've already done that with the TMX project. We lost in court," the premier stated, referring to the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion that faced numerous legal challenges from B.C.
Rather than continuing fruitless opposition, Eby indicated he would focus on practical concerns and potential benefits for British Columbia. The premier revealed he's exploring responses he has rarely mentioned before, including:
- Enhanced resources for oil spill containment and response
- Increasing Canada's domestic petroleum refining capacity
- Addressing why B.C. imports oil and gas from the United States
"Could we increase refining capacity and have a win for everybody here?" Eby asked during the press conference.
Coastal First Nations and political realities
The premier suggested that Coastal First Nations potentially hold more influence over the project's future than provincial governments. "My list has one item on it right now," Eby explained. "That's that the prime minister sits down with the coastal First Nations and see and understand where this project stands and what has to happen to get coastal First Nations support."
When questioned about his noticeably calmer demeanor compared to previous pipeline discussions, Eby acknowledged the change. "You're right. I'm not angry today," he conceded.
The premier demonstrated understanding of the political pressures facing both his counterparts. "I see a premier of Alberta that has a political imperative for her political party that she needs to meet," Eby stated. "And am I going to be upset with Danielle Smith for advancing what the United Conservative Party wants her to do? I understand that. The prime minister needs to de-escalate with Alberta and find a path forward. I understand that."
Eby did express concern about the pipeline discussion distracting from what he considers more urgent energy undertakings in British Columbia, specifically mentioning the North Coast electricity transmission line and Phase 2 of the LNG Canada project.
Despite the comprehensive agreement between Ottawa and Alberta, significant obstacles remain before construction could begin on any northern pipeline through British Columbia. The project would still require extensive regulatory approvals, environmental assessments, and importantly, support from Indigenous communities along the proposed route.
