BC premier backs new Alberta-BC pipeline, abandoning previous anti-pipeline stance

David Eby, premier of British Columbia, joined Mark Carney to present a cooperative prosperity agreement that permits a new government-backed pipeline linking Alberta to the BC coast, largely mirroring the Trans Mountain corridor and connecting to a Roberts Bank trade hub. Eby declared that the province will forego court challenges and instead seek infrastructure investments, a North Coast Transmission Line, and compensation for environmental risks.

This marks a departure from the NDP’s historic pledge to oppose new pipelines, a stance previously defended through legal action. The move has drawn criticism from the party’s federal leader, Avi Lewis, who accused the federal government of favoring oil profits. Environmental groups and First Nations, including the Tsawwassen First Nation, have voiced concerns about increased tanker traffic threatening salmon and endangered orca populations, as well as the lack of comprehensive consultation.