Alberta Premier Danielle Smith made public her government’s plan to submit an application to the federal Major Projects Office for a new oil pipeline to the northwest coast of British Columbia. The response was swift and varied, with some groups endorsing the proposal enthusiastically while others voicing concerns and opposition.
In her bid to garner support, Premier Smith directly engaged with British Columbia, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the two provinces and thorough Indigenous consultations. However, initial reactions, particularly from some First Nations in B.C., and B.C. Premier David Eby, indicated significant opposition.
Despite lacking a specific route and private backing for construction and operation, the proposed pipeline received support from business groups and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The diverse reactions underscore the contentious nature of the project.
B.C. First Nations, including Marilyn Slett of the Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative and Chief of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council, strongly opposed the pipeline citing environmental risks and historical opposition to oil tanker traffic. The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs and Gitxaała Nation also expressed firm objections.
Business groups like the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and the Business Council of Alberta endorsed the project, highlighting economic benefits and the potential for growth in the oil sector. Climate and environmental groups, however, raised concerns about the environmental impacts and emphasized the need for a low-carbon economy.
Analysts from CIBC applauded the initiative but expressed doubts about its success due to political and economic challenges. Clean Prosperity, a climate policy organization, supported the pipeline under the condition of concurrent decarbonization efforts, emphasizing the importance of aligning with global expectations for sustainable energy development.
