Eby Stands Firm Against Alberta’s Pipeline Push

BC Premier David Eby said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s proposed pipeline to the north coast has no private sector funding and ‘is not a real project.’

British Columbia Premier David Eby has made it clear that Alberta’s latest pipeline proposal is not welcome on the province’s northern coast, despite his measured tone in public remarks.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently announced her government would act as the proponent for a new oil pipeline to B.C.’s northwest coast, with technical input from major pipeline companies. The project, however, lacks private sector investment—something Eby has seized on to dismiss the plan as “not a real project.”

Eby emphasized that his polite language should not be mistaken for weakness. “Don’t mistake my politeness for weakness on protecting our economy and our coast,” he said, underscoring that B.C. will not compromise on environmental protections or the long-standing oil tanker ban on the northern coast.

The B.C. premier also questioned the use of taxpayer dollars to advance the project, warning that it could undermine private-sector initiatives already underway in the province with First Nations support. Coastal First Nations leaders have also reiterated their opposition, stating there is no consent for oil tanker traffic in their waters.

While Alberta frames the pipeline as a matter of national interest and economic necessity, Eby’s response signals that B.C. is prepared to resist—politely, but firmly.