OTTAWA — Federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson stated on Thursday that it is too early to make conclusions regarding the potential changes to the West Coast tanker ban. He emphasized that no pipeline route has yet been established to transport oil from Alberta to the British Columbia coast. In an interview, Hodgson remarked that people are making assumptions about the ban following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, which could pave the way for a new pipeline to the West Coast.

"I think it’s premature for people to have concluded things when there is no route yet, and there have been no conversations about that route at this point in time," Hodgson said. He clarified that the memorandum indicates there will be a deepwater port with access to Asia, but it does not specify which port or its location along the coast.

At the United Conservative Party convention in Edmonton, Premier Smith asked attendees if they felt more confident in Canada with the new pipeline deal. Her question was met with boos from the audience. The agreement commits the federal government to facilitate oil exports through a deepsea port to Asian markets and to adjust the tanker ban if necessary. However, this commitment is contingent upon the pipeline being recognized as a project of national interest and providing opportunities for Indigenous co-ownership and shared economic benefits.

The Coastal First Nations in B.C. quickly criticized the deal, asserting that the tanker ban is not negotiable and that they will not accept any exemptions. At a news conference, Marilyn Slett, president of Coastal First Nations, expressed her frustration about being contacted on short notice for a meeting with the minister. "Travel is not something that we can do on a whim. So it was not giving us enough time to consider the time frame of his meeting in Vancouver," she said.

Hodgson suggested during a television appearance that he could meet with the Coastal First Nations via Zoom. He later apologized for this comment on social media, stating, "My comments last night about a virtual meeting with Coastal First Nations were a poor choice of words, which I regret. I have reached out to them directly to apologize and look forward to an in-person meeting at their convenience."

On Friday, Hodgson traveled to B.C. to meet with Premier David Eby, following the signing of the memorandum. Eby indicated that B.C. would resist any federal attempts to alter the tanker ban. "I will always defend B.C.'s interests. And defending B.C.'s interests includes defending the oil tanker ban that has been there through multiple generations of politicians and political parties — for good reason," Eby told reporters. He added that an oil tanker spill would severely impact the way of life for people in the northwest region of the province.

The Oil Tanker Moratorium Act prohibits tankers from carrying more than 12,500 metric tonnes of crude oil in certain areas along the northern coast of British Columbia. When asked why a pipeline to the northern coast is preferable to existing export facilities in Vancouver, Hodgson deferred to the Alberta government.

"Vancouver is a port on the West Coast that would have deepwater access to Asian markets," he said, noting that the proponent must determine the best port option. Eby expressed concerns about the timeline for the proposed pipeline, stating it is many years away from realization. He warned that the project could divert resources from other important initiatives, negatively affecting both provincial and federal economies.

Matthew Holmes, chief of public policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, pointed out that while the Trans Mountain pipeline transports oil from Alberta to Vancouver, it is not the ideal route for supplying Asian markets. He noted that Prince Rupert is a more direct option for exporting energy products to Asia. "We’re kind of tying one arm behind our back by not having the capacity to go to the Port of Prince Rupert," Holmes said.

This report was first published on November 28, 2025.