Eby signals willingness to discuss pipeline proposal if northern tanker ban stays in place

BC Premier David Eby says his government is prepared to consider discussions around a proposed northern pipeline, as long as the long standing ban on crude oil tankers along the province’s northern coast remains intact. Eby described the ban as a key public assurance that has helped support major investments in B-C’s economy.

The premier has recently reiterated his opposition to a northern crude export route after Alberta and the federal government signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at reviving interest in a pipeline corridor to the B-C coast. Coastal First Nations have also warned that lifting or weakening the tanker ban would undermine environmental protections they fought for over decades.

Eby said any talks about a pipeline would require clear agreement that the ban will be maintained. Without that safeguard, he said there is no basis for further provincial participation in discussions.

BC Conservative Leader John Rustad criticized the premier’s position, saying in a social media post that Eby cannot call Alberta’s pipeline agreement unacceptable one week and then suggest openness to new solutions the next. Rustad said residents deserve clarity on where the government stands as interprovincial negotiations continue.