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Vancouver Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
B.C premier not backing Alberta's proposal to revive Northern Gateway
OTTAWA — British Columbia Premier David Eby isn't saying 'no' to Alberta counterpart Danielle Smith's pitch to revive the cancelled Northern Gateway pipeline project to the West Coast, but his evasiveness on the topic speaks volumes. Eby was quick to steer the discussion to 'points of agreement' when asked about Northern Gateway Thursday at the Western Premiers' Conference in Yellowknife. 'I know Danielle's priority is to get heavy oil to tidewater. She is very unambiguous about that. My priority is to… decarbonize and drive our economy in British Columbia,' said Eby, who happened to be seated next to Smith in a conference-ending media availability. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'If Premier Smith is able to convince the federal government to build another pipeline through British Columbia, or a private proponent, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.' In the days leading up to the conference Smith called for the project to not only be revived but also fast-tracked , saying that most direct route to ship Alberta oil to emerging markets in Asia was through B.C.'s northern coast. Northern Gateway, an initiative of Calgary-based pipeline company Enbridge Inc., was to carry Alberta oil to a deep-water marine terminal in northwestern B.C., where it would then be exported via tanker. The project was terminated by former prime minister Justin Trudeau in late 2016, one year after he ordered a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic off B.C.'s north coast. The tanker ban was later entrenched in Liberal legislation. Eby said on Thursday that he was averse to 'opening up the pristine north coast to tanker traffic,' especially with the new Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion (TMX) not filled to capacity. 'If the urgency is to get product to tidewater, I would start (with) ensuring that this publicly owned infrastructure is used to its full capacity,' said Eby. TMX, which ends in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, has been running at around 80 per cent capacity since coming online in May 2024, according to the Canada Energy Regulator. However, industry experts say it's optimal for oil pipelines to run somewhat below full capacity to give producers the flexibility to reroute product to different markets. Smith said that, pipeline or no pipeline, she saw tremendous potential in B.C.'s northern coast as a hub for Canadian exports, and was especially bullish on the Port of Prince Rupert. '(Prince Rupert) is the best (point of) access to get all of our products… to the Asian markets,' said Smith. She added that products shipped to Asia from Prince Rupert arrive weeks sooner than those shipped from the U.S. via the Gulf of Mexico. A spokesperson for Enbridge said the company is once burned, twice shy, and would require a more predictable investment climate before renewing a pipeline project to route heavy Alberta oil to tidewater. 'While we are pleased to see Canadian policymakers discussing ways to make Canada an energy superpower, any new pipeline project would require careful consideration and real provincial and federal legislative change,' wrote Enbridge communications advisor Gina Sutherland in an email to National Post. 'This includes identifying energy projects as being in the national interest, implementing globally competitive energy and carbon policies, simplifying regulation, reducing regulatory timelines and enhancing the Indigenous loan guarantee program to allow for more Indigenous consultation, engagement and direct participation in energy projects.' ' We need clear evidence of a supportive framework before considering a major project like Northern Gateway.' National Post rmohamed@ Get more deep-dive National Post political coverage and analysis in your inbox with the Political Hack newsletter, where Ottawa bureau chief Stuart Thomson and political analyst Tasha Kheiriddin get at what's really going on behind the scenes on Parliament Hill every Wednesday and Friday, exclusively for subscribers. Sign up here. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Calgary Herald
23-05-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Eby cool to Smith's proposal to revive Northern Gateway
OTTAWA — British Columbia Premier David Eby isn't saying 'no' to Alberta counterpart Danielle Smith's pitch to revive the cancelled Northern Gateway pipeline project, but his evasiveness on the topic speaks volumes. Article content Article content Eby was quick to steer the discussion to 'points of agreement' when asked about Northern Gateway Thursday at the Western Premiers' Conference in Yellowknife. Article content Article content 'I know Danielle's priority is to get heavy oil to tidewater. She is very unambiguous about that. My priority is to… decarbonize and drive our economy in British Columbia,' said Eby, who happened to be seated next to Smith in a conference-ending media availability. Article content Article content 'If Premier Smith is able to convince the federal government to build another pipeline through British Columbia, or a private proponent, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.' Article content In the days leading up to the conference Smith called for the shelved pipeline project to not only be revived but also fast-tracked, saying that most direct route to ship Alberta oil to emerging markets in Asia was through B.C.'s northern coast. Article content Northern Gateway, an initiative of Calgary-based pipeline company Enbridge Inc., sought to carry Alberta oil to a deep-water marine terminal in northwestern B.C., where it would then be exported via tanker. Article content Article content The project was terminated by former prime minister Justin Trudeau in late 2016, one year after he ordered a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic off B.C.'s north coast. Article content Article content The tanker ban was later entrenched in Liberal legislation. Article content Eby said on Thursday that he was averse to 'opening up the pristine north coast to tanker traffic,' especially with the new Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion (TMX) not yet filled to the brim. Article content 'If the urgency is to get product to tidewater, I would start (with) ensuring that this publicly owned infrastructure is used to its full capacity,' said Eby.
Vancouver Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Eby cool to Smith's proposal to revive Northern Gateway
OTTAWA — British Columbia Premier David Eby isn't saying 'no' to Alberta counterpart Danielle Smith's pitch to revive the cancelled Northern Gateway pipeline project, but his evasiveness on the topic speaks volumes. Eby was quick to steer the discussion to 'points of agreement' when asked about Northern Gateway Thursday at the Western Premiers' Conference in Yellowknife. 'I know Danielle's priority is to get heavy oil to tidewater. She is very unambiguous about that. My priority is to… decarbonize and drive our economy in British Columbia,' said Eby, who happened to be seated next to Smith in a conference-ending media availability. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'If Premier Smith is able to convince the federal government to build another pipeline through British Columbia, or a private proponent, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.' In the days leading up to the conference Smith called for the shelved pipeline project to not only be revived but also fast-tracked , saying that most direct route to ship Alberta oil to emerging markets in Asia was through B.C.'s northern coast. Northern Gateway, an initiative of Calgary-based pipeline company Enbridge Inc., sought to carry Alberta oil to a deep-water marine terminal in northwestern B.C., where it would then be exported via tanker. The project was terminated by former prime minister Justin Trudeau in late 2016, one year after he ordered a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic off B.C.'s north coast. The tanker ban was later entrenched in Liberal legislation. Eby said on Thursday that he was averse to 'opening up the pristine north coast to tanker traffic,' especially with the new Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion (TMX) not yet filled to the brim. 'If the urgency is to get product to tidewater, I would start (with) ensuring that this publicly owned infrastructure is used to its full capacity,' said Eby. TMX, which ends in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, has been running at around 80 per cent capacity since coming online in May 2024. Experts say it's optimal for oil pipelines to run somewhat below full capacity to give producers the flexibility to reroute product to different markets. Smith retorted that, pipeline or no pipeline, she saw tremendous potential in B.C.'s northern coast as a hub for Canadian exports, and was especially bullish on the port of Prince Rupert. '(Prince Rupert) is the best (point of) access to get all of our products… to the Asian markets,' said Smith. She added that products shipped to Asia from Prince Rupert arrive weeks sooner than those shipped from the U.S. via the Gulf of Mexico. A spokesperson for Enbridge said the company is once burned, twice shy when it comes to trying to build heavy oil pipelines to tidewater. 'While we are pleased to see Canadian policymakers discussing ways to make Canada an energy superpower, any new pipeline project would require careful consideration and real provincial and federal legislative change,' wrote Enbridge communications advisor Gina Sutherland in an email to National Post. 'This includes identifying energy projects as being in the national interest, implementing globally competitive energy and carbon policies, simplifying regulation, reducing regulatory timelines and enhancing the Indigenous loan guarantee program to allow for more Indigenous consultation, engagement and direct participation in energy projects.' ' We need clear evidence of a supportive framework before considering a major project like Northern Gateway.' National Post rmohamed@ Get more deep-dive National Post political coverage and analysis in your inbox with the Political Hack newsletter, where Ottawa bureau chief Stuart Thomson and political analyst Tasha Kheiriddin get at what's really going on behind the scenes on Parliament Hill every Wednesday and Friday, exclusively for subscribers. Sign up here. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
National Observer
16-05-2025
- Business
- National Observer
A 'foot in the door': BC First Nations buy into Enbridge pipeline
For decades, a natural gas pipeline has cut through the territories of dozens of First Nations in BC — moving billions of dollars' worth of gas with zero ownership and little return to the communities. Now, 36 First Nations have bought in. 'For decades, the nations have watched resources leave their communities with very minimal benefit,' said Justin Napoleon, from Saulteau First Nation and director of Stonlasec8, a newly formed, Indigenous-owned, limited partnership made up of 36 First Nations in BC, including Treaty 8 members. In a landmark deal announced today, Stonlasec8 revealed its plan to invest approximately $715 million to acquire a 12.5 per cent ownership in Enbridge Inc.'s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system that stretches from BC's remote northeast to the US-Canada border. 'Now, they get to see development in a new light — as something they actually own, a piece that's truly part of theirs," Napoleon said. The deal gives Indigenous communities along the pipeline a direct financial stake in infrastructure on their traditional lands. 'Enbridge brought the opportunity to us,' said David Jimmie, chief of Squiala First Nation and president and chair of Stonlasec8. 'I think it signals through industry, and across the country, that these partnerships can be successful — and they can be done.' 'Enbridge brought the opportunity to us,' said David Jimmie, president and chair of Stonlasec8. 'I think it signals through industry, and across the country, that these partnerships can be successful — and they can be done.' A significant step was securing a $400-million loan guarantee from the federal government through an initiative launched in December 2024. This makes the Stonlasec8 investment the first major project supported by the $10-billion federal Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program. The government program 'opens up doors for the nations to access capital and take that step towards economic self-determination,' Napoleon said. The Westcoast pipeline transports up to 3.6 billion cubic feet of natural gas daily along a 2,900-kilometre route, supplying BC, Alberta, and the US Pacific Northwest. Through this partnership, Indigenous communities shift from stakeholders to shareholders, gaining a role in co-governing infrastructure on their lands, Jimmie said. The financial returns from the Westcoast pipeline are slated to be distributed equally among the First Nations in the Stonlasec8 consortium. Each nation will then decide how those funds will be invested in their communities. 'My hope is it's predictable, long-term, recurring revenue that you can plan around ... You can build that into your community planning as needed, and it's a reliable source of income,' Napoleon said. A step forward, with limits Historically, BC First Nations have faced major financial barriers to resource project ownership. A decade ago, 16 nations in BC were denied a commercial-rate loan for the Pacific Trail Pipeline and settled for a buyout instead of equity. To Indigenous leaders, this new agreement signals progress, but also exposes the complexities of participation in resource development. They acknowledge the tension: financial participation brings opportunity, but also binds nations to the risks and responsibilities of fossil fuel infrastructure. While Stonlasec8's 12.5 per cent stake marks a significant shift from previous exclusion, it does not translate to a controlling voice on how the pipeline is run or how environmental risks are managed. 'We don't have that power. At 12.5 per cent interest, you're not going to be a major decision-maker in this — but it gets your foot in the door, and you're able to have the conversation, which we couldn't do before,' Jimmie said. Jimmie said Enbridge and other companies must still adhere to regulatory processes, engage with First Nations, and share environmental assessment findings. 'We still do wear the other hat as rights- and title-holders in the territory,' he said. John Desjarlais, executive director of the Indigenous Resource Network, an organization that advocates for Indigenous participation and leadership in resource development, said he is thrilled about the partnership. 'There's a lot of good components that could mobilize a good, meaningful development, and shape the policy that we're going to see into the future,' Desjarlais said. But he warns that these are not mere stakeholder roles but business partnerships, separate from government obligations of consent or consultation — which means the legal and financial risks rest heavily on the Indigenous partners. 'It's interesting — we talk about oil spills, but now we'd be talking about a nation spilling oil on its own nation, or other nations … affecting its rights and other rights,' Desjarlais said. He said Indigenous nations will need to prepare for the possibility of managing crises that affect their own lands and neighbouring rights, in addition to ongoing community challenges, including housing, education and mental health crises. Jimmie said discussions around potentially growing Stonlasec8's stake hadn't occurred — but if there's an opportunity, First Nations would be open to it.
Vancouver Sun
16-05-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Enbridge pipeline: Chair of First Nation group driven by vision of getting 'true seat at the table'
Squiala First Nation Chief David Jimmie has always looked at business dealings as a way to get 'a true seat at the table' to address his community's interests and look after its needs. So Jimmie was intrigued when Enbridge Inc., two years ago, broached the prospect of selling an equity interest in its sprawling Westcoast gas pipeline network to First Nations whose territories were close to the facility. 'We had some initial meetings with Enbridge to understand what the opportunity might look like,' Jimmie said Thursday. 'And then it was a matter of Nations interested in pursuing this.' Stay on top of the latest real estate news and home design trends. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Westcoast Homes will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. After reflection and their respective decisions, the answer for 36 Nations was yes. Thursday, the consortium they formed under the name Stonlasec8 Indigenous Alliance unveiled the $715 million agreement struck with Enbridge to buy a 12.5 per cent stake in 2,900-km pipeline network. The deal is subject to the completion of financing, which includes a $400 million federal loan guarantee, but is expected to close by the end of June and deliver continuing economic benefits to the consortium over the next 65 years. 'People often ask me what economic reconciliation for Indigenous people looks like,' Jimmie said. 'This is it.' Jimmie has been a proponent of economic reconciliation since becoming chief of the Squiala in 2009 after building a successful construction company from scratch. He still heads the firm that is partnered in projects in Chilliwack and the Okanagan's Westbank. 'I'm a pro business individual, I'd like to say,' Jimmie said. 'And when we can advance business to generate revenues for communities, I think we grow stronger collectively.' Early on, Jimmie pursued an MBA at Simon Fraser University, as well as certificate courses at the University of B.C. and Harvard to help bridge his school of hard knocks with more formal business education to start providing his community with the expertise for which they'd typically rely on consultants. 'I don't think you walk out of a masters program feeling like a master,' Jimmie said. An MBA does, however, teach you to 'peel apart different business models,' and apply them to what you need. For the Squiala, that has meant working in everything from forestry operations to pursuing run-of-river hydro power, and a recent small joint venture with the Agassiz-based specialty sawmill PowerWood. PowerWood CEO Jake Power describes Jimmie as a savvy business person who does a good job of representing his community's needs. 'He approaches it from really good, strong business principles,' Power said, adding that Jimmie holds the values that his community shares, and for which they are all proud. 'He's also just a nice person,' Power added. 'Sometimes you're in a room negotiating with someone and it really feels like a negotiation where you've got to watch your back. It just never feels that way with Dave.' If problems crop up, Power said, 'you just always have a lot of confidence that you can speak openly' with Jimmie. Power said he's not surprised at the news of the Stonlasec8 deal. 'I think having someone like Dave at the middle of it will always help smooth talks along because people feel pretty comfortable having open conversation in any room that he's in.' Jimmie said leaders have to separate businesses themselves from community governance. 'You kind of work with the community to understand exactly what it is that we'd like to address,' Jimmie said. 'Then you kind of take the business approach to say, 'OK, can we generate the revenues to support that and not be dependent on government funding?'' There are also other irons in the fire for the Squiala. Among the positions Jimmie holds, which include president of the Stó:lō Nation Chiefs Council and president of Ts'elxweyéqw Tribe Management Ltd, he is also chair and vice-president of the Western Indigenous Pipeline Group. That is one of the consortiums seeking an equity stake in the Trans Mountain Pipeline project, which Jimmie joined after years of opposing the project. In 2023, he told the Globe and Mail that becoming an owner would be the best way for the Squiala to get the oversight over the project it failed to get through legal challenges. Jimmie said Thursday he's hopeful about the outcome of the process for determining Indigenous equity in that project. 'I do believe that leading by example is great for our members to see,' Jimmie said. 'I think the younger generation is seeing more of our Indigenous people with post-secondary degrees, graduate degrees, becoming lawyers in the business field.' 'I think (my) philosophy is 'why don't we get out and do what we can to support our communities and foster the ability for this next generation to take it to another level,' Jimmie said. depenner@ With files from The Canadian Press
