B.C. Premier Rejects Alberta Pipeline Plans Amid National Project Talks

British Columbia Premier David Eby has expressed clear opposition to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's proposal for a bitumen pipeline extending to B.C.'s northern coast, emphasizing that the project is many years away and lacks a proponent. B.C. Deputy Premier Niki Sharma echoed this stance, highlighting B.C.'s focus on advancing shovel-ready projects with immediate economic impact rather than speculative pipeline plans. The pipeline proposal has become a contentious issue as premiers meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Saskatoon to discuss fast-tracking national interest infrastructure projects. Smith criticized federal policies, including the tanker ban on B.C.'s coast and oil and gas emissions caps, for discouraging investment and urged their removal to restore investor confidence. Carney has pledged to reduce approval times for major projects to position Canada as an energy superpower amid shifting U.S. tariffs. While Alberta pushes for a commitment to the pipeline, B.C. remains firm in its differing opinion, prioritizing projects with clear proponents and immediate feasibility.