Ottawa's latest deal with Alberta another step toward a new pipeline through B.C.

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Eby has said that forcing a pipeline across northern B.C. would put critical minerals mines and LNG projects, as well as the proposed North Coast power line, at risk by damaging relations with First Nations.

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Heiltsuk Nation Chief Marilyn Slett. Photo by Heiltsuk Nation /Submitted

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The Coastal First Nations said that they had been assured by federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson that there would be no agreement without the consent of First Nations.

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“As the legally recognized rights and titleholders under Canadian and international law, we do not support a proposed oil pipeline and tankers route to the North Coast of B.C.,” said Marilyn Slett, president of the Coastal First Nations and elected chief of the Heiltsuk Nation.

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“No offer of equity or ownership will change our position, and no proponent is acceptable to us. Governments and would-be proponents should be aware of our absolute determination to protect our economy and our coast.”

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B.C. Opposition leader Trevor Halford said that instead of being at the table, Eby is choosing “petulance over partnership” and that “B.C. workers and B.C. families are paying the price for his ego.”

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He said Eby has pitted himself against what most of the country wants and what will help grow Canada’s economy.

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“Make no mistake, this is a deal about B.C.’s coast, B.C.’s ports, B.C.’s workers, and B.C.’s future. And the NDP weren’t even invited,” said Halford.

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“The premier has put himself offside with the national interest, offside with our largest trading partners, and offside with the British Columbians who need these jobs.”

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B.C. Opposition leader Trevor Halford said that instead of being at the table, David Eby is choosing ‘petulance over partnership’ and that ‘B.C. workers and B.C. families are paying the price for his ego.’ Photo by Government of B.C. /Government of B.C.

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The new agreement also includes commitments around expanding electricity connections among Canada’s provinces and territories as a way to double Canada’s grid capacity and bring it to net zero emissions by 2050.

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Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin told Postmedia Friday that the commitments on the electrical grid are a way for the country to continue on the path toward climate goals while also growing the economy.

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As it is, Canada is only on track to reach half of its climate target of 40-45 per cent reductions below 2005 levels by 2030, according to the Canadian Climate Institute.

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“The electricity strategy that we announced yesterday, where there is a commitment to double our grid by 2050, to reach net zero by 2050, and also at the same time recognizing that the reason we need to do that is because we need to electrify our economy,” said Dabrusin.

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“Moving industry and transport buildings to electricity, that actually has a very large impact on emissions reductions.”

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UBC economics professor Werner Antweiler agreed, saying that the existing grid connection between B.C. and Alberta has been underutilized over the years and that increasing its usage and expanding ties across the country would be positive.

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At the same time, he wondered whether lowering the industrial carbon tax would reduce the incentive for oil and gas producers to innovate in order to bring down emissions and argued that neither Ottawa nor Alberta should be subsidizing the industry.

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“The federal government should not be subsidizing the oil and gas industry because this is a mature industry that can fully stand on their own two feet. They do not need that help,” said Antweiler.

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Richard Masson, of University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy and a former CEO of the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission, said that without enormous subsidies, he doesn’t see how a pipeline project can get off the ground.

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He doesn’t see Friday’s agreement bringing a pipeline any closer to reality, even if he is happy  governments are working together.