CALGARY — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre stated that Canadians, including those in British Columbia, support the construction of a new oil pipeline. He emphasized that Premier David Eby should not be able to single-handedly block the project. Poilievre argued that the nation cannot afford to wait for unanimous agreement on the pipeline, asserting that it is a "basic fact" that such infrastructure is necessary.

Eby has consistently maintained that discussions about a pipeline, which is being advocated by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and others, are premature without a project proponent. In response, Poilievre described this situation as a "chicken and egg problem," suggesting that the lack of a proponent stems from insufficient government backing.

Eby was not available for immediate comment regarding Poilievre's statements. Poilievre clarified that he holds no personal animosity toward Eby, but insisted that "one man can't block a project."

"British Columbians want a pipeline, Albertans want a pipeline, Canadians want a pipeline. We can't wait till everybody's onside," Poilievre said. He further remarked, "There are some people out there who don't think Elvis is dead. We can't get everybody to agree on any basic fact, even the basic fact that we need a pipeline. So, you're going to need national leadership."

Poilievre made these comments during a news conference where he announced that the Conservative Opposition plans to introduce a bill in Parliament called the Canadian Sovereignty Act. This legislation aims to repeal what Poilievre described as "Liberal growth-blocking laws."