Latest news with #WesternPremiers'Conference
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.
Edmonton Journal
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Edmonton Journal
Eby cool to Smith's proposal to revive Northern Gateway
Article content 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.
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 .
Global News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
‘Small minority of cranks': Eby laments separatism push as Western premiers meet
British Columbia Premier David Eby says separatism discussions in some parts of the country are a 'colossal waste of time and energy,' as he meets fellow leaders from Western Canada in Yellowknife. Eby says the western provinces have been leading the way on issues including the removal of internal trade barriers, and now is not the time to be diverted by 'a small minority of cranks.' Also set to attend the annual two-day conference are Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Saskatchewan's Scott Moe, Manitoba's Wab Kinew, Nunavut's P.J. Akeeagok, Yukon's outgoing Premier Ranj Pillai and Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson. 6:29 Former Conservative MP Stockwell Day on western separatism in Canada Eby isn't naming anyone as he laments the separatism movement but said it's hard to 'imagine a worse time to be tacitly or overtly supporting voices' that want to break Canada apart. Story continues below advertisement The annual Western Premiers' Conference comes two weeks before all of Canada's premiers are to meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Saskatoon. A statement from Simpson's office last week said the western leaders are set to discuss a range of issues, including Arctic sovereignty, energy security, international trade and emergency preparedness. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Housing, economic corridors and tariffs are also on the agenda. Eby said in an interview Wednesday that Western Canada has an opportunity to focus on growing the national economy and 'strengthening Canada for all Canadians.' 'Let's work together on that. Let's not get pulled into the weeds by a small minority of cranks,' he said of the separatism push, which has been centred on Alberta and Saskatchewan. 2:13 Alberta group proposes anti-separatism referendum: 'I'm thankful to this country' He said it's 'critically important' for anyone in a leadership position 'to speak clearly and unambiguously about our support for this country, for the sovereignty of Canada, while we are under attack from the president of the United States and to demonstrate that we are stronger together.' Story continues below advertisement In Alberta, Smith has said those unhappy with Confederation are not fringe voices but friends and neighbours in the province who've had enough of Ottawa. She said the western premiers' meeting was taking place at a 'critical moment' for Alberta, in the wake of last month's federal election, and she planned to advocate for new pipelines. 'We cannot afford federal overreach into provincial jurisdiction to continue, or damaging federal policies to impact the upward trajectory of our economies,' Smith said Tuesday in a statement. 'I will be at the table to advocate for Alberta's interests, particularly the importance of new pipelines, in an effort to put the power of our economy back in the hands of western Canadians.' Moe has said he's a true Canadian but wouldn't stop a public vote on separating from the country if it came forward. 1:50 Economists warn separatism driven uncertainty scaring investment in Alberta A spokesperson for the premier said Moe planned to discuss at the meeting a list of items he recently urged Carney to act on, including strengthening the Criminal Code, giving provinces full responsibility for the industrial carbon levy, repealing clean electricity regulations and expanding pipelines. Story continues below advertisement Moe said he also wants Carney to immediately begin negotiations with China to remove Beijing's tariffs on Canadian agricultural goods. Akeeagok said in an email he's looking to push the conversation forward on Arctic security and infrastructure projects needed to strengthen it. The long-discussed Grays Bay Road and Port proposal, which would connect Yellowknife to the eastern Arctic coast by road, would help unlock the North's vast economic potential, he said. 'The Arctic holds incredible promise and, through strategic investments in critical infrastructure, we can responsibly access key resources, including critical minerals,' he said. Eby said the meeting in Yellowknife is a chance for leaders to find agreement on issues they can later push to their Eastern counterparts. 'I'm really hopeful that this western premiers meeting helps create the momentum in Western Canada, that we can carry into the national meeting,' he said.
