Political figure Poilievre asserts that British Columbia's premier lacks the authority to obstruct pipeline project plans
In a recent speech in Calgary, Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Leader, expressed his belief that Canadians, including British Columbians, desire a new oil pipeline. Poilievre asserted that the Canadian Sovereignty Act, a bill the Opposition Conservatives plan to introduce in Parliament, aims to facilitate the construction of such a pipeline by repealing "Liberal growth-blocking laws."
The proposed pipeline project is being pushed by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and others, with the aim of creating an east-west corridor to transport Western Canadian energy resources. However, the project faces challenges, with major pipeline operators showing reluctance to invest.
Currently, there is active government movement toward new oil and gas pipeline corridors from Alberta toward Ontario and southern ports. In contrast, British Columbia is focused more on LNG pipeline and export infrastructure. A major new crude oil pipeline extending to the BC coast has not yet moved forward due to private sector hesitancy.
Poilievre described British Columbia's Premier, David Eby's stance as a "chicken and egg problem." Eby has stated that there's no point in discussing or supporting a pipeline until there is a proponent for the project. According to Poilievre, the reason there's no proponent for the pipeline is due to inadequate government support.
At the time of reporting, Eby could not be reached for comment on Poilievre's remarks. No new information was provided about the timeline for the introduction and potential passage of the Canadian Sovereignty Act or its potential impact on other growth-blocking laws.
The proposed pipeline project's location and the type of oil it would carry remain undisclosed. Poilievre emphasized the need for national leadership to push for a pipeline, due to disagreements among some people.
References:
- Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan seek proposals for new oil and gas pipeline
- Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith needs a private sector partner for new crude oil pipeline to B.C.'s West Coast
- B.C. government approves ongoing construction on natural gas pipeline to supply LNG export terminal
- Enbridge plans expansions of existing pipeline network to accommodate growing Western Canadian crude production
- Proposals and developments for new oil pipelines in Canada
- Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Leader, called attention to the need for national leadership in pushing for a new oil pipeline, citing disagreements among certain parties as an obstacle.
- The proposed pipeline project, whose location and type of oil remain undisclosed, aims to establish a new east-west corridor for transporting Western Canadian energy resources.
- The Canadian Sovereignty Act, a bill proposed by the Opposition Conservatives, aims to facilitate the construction of new oil pipelines by repealing growth-blocking laws, but its timeline for introduction and potential impact remain uncertain.
