B.C. Premier David Eby says he has made it clear to Prime Minister Mark Carney that British Columbia must be included in any talks related to a potential federal–Alberta energy agreement, calling the province’s absence from early discussions “unacceptable.”
Speaking in Victoria on Monday, Eby confirmed he spoke directly with Carney about the forthcoming memorandum of understanding (MOU) being negotiated between Ottawa and Alberta. A federal source told the media the agreement is expected to be unveiled in Calgary on Thursday, though timing could still change.
The proposed MOU could include changes to Canada’s industrial carbon price and federal backing for a new Alberta-to-West Coast pipeline—potentially requiring an exemption to the federal tanker ban. Government sources have suggested such an exemption could be advanced through Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act, which created the Major Projects Office (MPO).
Eby said he only learned of the proposed deal through media reports, prompting concerns about B.C.’s exclusion.
“I underlined for the prime minister how unacceptable it was to me to have Saskatchewan and Alberta speaking about matters in British Columbia without British Columbia at the table,” Eby said. “This is not something that would happen to Quebec.”
He said he expects B.C. to be included in all future discussions and stressed that any pipeline proposal must have the direct involvement and consent of coastal First Nations. “At a minimum, the coastal First Nations need to be at the table,” he said.
At a House of Commons committee Monday, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson would not confirm whether a tanker ban exemption is being considered, but said a deal with Alberta is “getting close” and more clarity is expected soon.
Carney, speaking at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, described the negotiations as “constructive” but emphasized that nothing has been finalized. When asked about a new pipeline, he pointed to his broader nation-building agenda, saying any major project must have full Indigenous support and align with Canada’s climate goals.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said her government intends to formally submit a pipeline proposal to the MPO next spring and will rely on private-sector financing to build the project.
Tensions between B.C. and Alberta over a potential northern pipeline route have been simmering for months. Relations cooled further after Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said he was participating in negotiations, prompting Eby to dismiss those comments. Moe responded Monday that Saskatchewan supports major energy infrastructure across provinces, even if it is not a direct beneficiary.
“If we truly want to move forward as Canadians… we need to be supportive of every project in every industry in every province across this nation,” Moe said, adding he was “disappointed” in Eby’s remarks.
The pipeline file continues to unfold amid political, environmental and jurisdictional sensitivities, with both Ottawa and Alberta signalling an announcement is imminent.
