OTTAWA — British Columbia Premier David Eby is urging the federal government to prioritize major projects in the west. However, he remains firm on maintaining the ban on oil tankers along the northwest coast of British Columbia. Eby spoke to reporters on Parliament Hill on Thursday, stating that it is premature to discuss lifting the tanker ban, especially since there are currently no pipeline projects proposed.

Eby attributed the ongoing discussion about the tanker ban to the persuasive efforts of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. "I’ll say this for Premier Smith from Alberta, she’s an incredible advocate because you’d never guess that there is no private proponent, there’s no money (and) there’s no project," Eby said.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated he might consider expediting a new heavy oil pipeline to B.C.’s North Coast if there is an increase in carbon capture initiatives. Smith has referred to this potential deal as the "grand bargain." However, the existing tanker ban poses a significant obstacle to this proposal. Smith has suggested transporting one million barrels of oil daily through the Port of Prince Rupert to reach Pacific markets.

Energy investment advisor Chris Sankey commented on Eby’s remarks, suggesting that the absence of a private sector proponent for a new West Coast pipeline is a misunderstanding of the situation. "Everybody wants to see a new pipeline built but nobody wants to be the first one shot coming through the door," Sankey stated. He noted that private investors are hesitant due to past experiences where billions in investments were lost due to changing federal policies.

The cancellation of the $7.8 billion Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline in late 2016, a decision made by then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, exemplifies this uncertainty. Trudeau had promised to protect B.C.’s North Coast from pipelines and subsequently enacted a ban on tanker traffic in the region shortly after taking office in 2015. This ban was formalized into law in 2019.

Eby was in Ottawa to advocate for increased federal investment in B.C.-based initiatives. He expressed a straightforward message for the Prime Minister: "If the federal government is interested in … leveraging billions of dollars for private sector investments in a way that accesses international markets, then there’s just a two-word answer: look west."

Recently, two B.C. projects were included in a list of five initiatives recommended for fast-tracking by Carney. A second list of projects is anticipated by mid-November. Eby remarked that he would not have been surprised if the entire list consisted of B.C. projects. "We have tens of billions of dollars in projects that are well advanced, where we are facing final investment decisions from major countries around the world … and with a strong federal partner by our side we will deliver those projects," Eby said.

Sankey criticized Eby for not taking the opportunity to encourage potential investors in a new West Coast pipeline. "If I was Eby, I would have said clearly that B.C., and the North Coast in particular, is open to all opportunities, provided they meet our stringent environmental conditions and give Indigenous partners a seat and say in ownership," he said.

He also pointed out that the context surrounding oil spills has evolved significantly over the years. "We can’t keep going back to the old Exxon Valdez flipbook from 30 plus years ago. Things have changed drastically," Sankey added. As a member of the Tsimshian community of Lax Kw’Alaams, he emphasized that oil and gas development could play a crucial role in improving living standards in northwestern B.C., particularly for Indigenous communities. "The reality is that so many of our people are still living below the poverty line. And when people are just barely surviving, they can’t dream," Sankey concluded.