Deputy premier Sharma says B.C. needs to be “respected” by Ottawa, other provinces

British Columbia’s deputy premier says the province continues to follow a Team Canada approach, but it also needs to be “respected as a province” amid growing tensions among Western premiers.

Media reports say the federal government is expected to announce a memorandum of understanding with Alberta this week that could include a pipeline to B.C.’s northern coast, but Niki Sharma says the province has yet to see what is in the document.

Sharma says any agreement must see governments “abide” by their constitutional obligations to First Nations, adding that the public should “stay tuned” when asked whether B.C. would launch its own court challenge.

Sharma, who’s also the attorney general, says the provincial government wants to work together with Ottawa and other provinces, but the “viewpo