Eby, Smith clash over pipelines, Alberta referendum at Western premiers meeting

British Columbia Premier David Eby and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith exchanged sharp criticism during the Western Premiers’ Conference, with disagreements centring on pipelines, national unity and Alberta’s proposed referendum legislation.

Smith defended Alberta’s position on a potential referendum and blamed British Columbia governments for fuelling separatist sentiment in Alberta by opposing pipeline expansion projects. She said both current and former B.C. premiers failed to support pipeline development, contributing to frustration in Alberta.

Smith also argued that British Columbia’s ports serve the broader national economy and are not owned by a single province. She said a significant portion of Canadian exports move through the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert and called on premiers to work together in a spirit of interprovincial co-operation.

Eby responded by warning that discussions around Alberta separation come at a time when Canada is already facing economic pressure linked to tariffs and trade uncertainty. He said efforts that test national unity could damage investor confidence and create additional risks for the Canadian economy.

The B.C. premier also said his government had not been formally consulted on any new proposal involving a pipeline corridor to the province’s coast. Eby added that rhetoric around separation risks encouraging groups seeking to divide the country.

The comments were made during meetings involving western Canadian premiers, where economic co-operation, trade and infrastructure were among the issues discussed.