Content: VICTORIA — British Columbia Premier David Eby expressed frustration this week over Ottawa's discussions with Alberta and Saskatchewan regarding a proposed oil pipeline to the northwest coast of British Columbia. Eby remarked, "I almost fell out of my seat," during an interview with CBC's David Cochrane. He likened the situation to tourists lost in the woods, saying, "They’re going to have to be rescued by a helicopter, and guess who has to send the helicopter?"

Eby argued that British Columbia should have been included in the pipeline discussions, stating, "I think we can bring some information to the table." He noted that there was a time when B.C. could have contributed constructively to such conversations. In June, Eby had publicly stated that he was open to discussing a new heavy oil pipeline from Alberta to B.C.

"Sometimes I feel like the media is gathering round and chanting fight, fight, fight between us and Alberta," he told CTV. "There’s no fight here now." He also clarified, "It is a simplification and not quite right to say I’ve said ‘no’" to the project, previously expressing support for a Western energy corridor that could include a heavy oil pipeline. However, he has since dismissed the project, calling it "a figment in the mind of a communications person in Alberta."

Eby predicted that as time goes on, it will become clear that there is no viable pipeline project. He stated, "As each day passes and we’re told that it is just around the corner, it will become increasingly apparent to absolutely everybody that there is no pipeline project to speak of." This statement came just before reports indicated that Ottawa and Alberta were nearing a deal that includes the oil pipeline to the B.C. coast.

In the interview, Eby criticized the pipeline initiative as being "advanced by a politician who frankly is in trouble at home," referring to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Eby’s comments come amid speculation about his own leadership, as B.C. NDP insiders noted that he needed to make several strategic moves to secure a strong leadership vote.

One of these moves included a significant increase in public sector wages and an agreement with coastal First Nations to maintain the oil tanker moratorium on B.C.'s northern coast. Eby reacted strongly to suggestions that Ottawa might exempt some tanker traffic from this moratorium, saying, "It’s like explaining to a vegetarian that they’ll still be a vegetarian if they eat a few steaks."

Despite his criticisms, Eby suggested that Alberta should focus on enhancing the existing Trans Mountain pipeline and dredging Burrard Inlet for larger tankers. He reiterated his belief that the Alberta-to-B.C. oil pipeline would rely on federal funding of $50 billion for construction.

This week, Eby managed to pass legislation for a $6 billion hydro transmission line, which will also be publicly funded. He claimed that this line would support $50 billion worth of mining projects, although he acknowledged that no companies are currently financing it.

Eby emphasized that British Columbians are stepping up to build infrastructure in anticipation of future demand. He stated, "We’re not even really asking for help, we’re just asking, please stay out of the way so we can do this for Canadians."

However, he expressed impatience with the federal government’s offer of a $150 million loan for the power line, stating, "B.C. taxpayers cannot single-handedly fund the prosperity of the entire nation." Eby plans to send "strongly worded" letters to the federal government requesting financial support for these projects soon.

It remains to be seen how Ottawa, Alberta, and Saskatchewan will respond to Eby’s comments and requests for support.