A new agreement between the Canadian federal government and Alberta over a proposed west coast oil pipeline has triggered strong political reactions in British Columbia.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed the implementation agreement on Friday to move forward with the pipeline project.
The deal could allow construction work to begin as early as September 1, 2027.
The proposed pipeline would transport more than one million barrels of oil per day to a west coast port for export to Asian and other global markets.
B.C. Premier David Eby responded by saying it should not take threats of separation for projects to receive national attention.
Eby said British Columbia also has major “shovel-ready” projects that deserve federal support and faster coordination with Ottawa.
He pointed to B.C.’s natural resources, critical minerals, and access to ports as key economic advantages.
The Premier said the province already has about USD 88 billion worth of priority projects, with some projects already creating thousands of jobs after reaching final investment decisions.
Eby argued that another 35 projects in the province still need more federal attention and support.
He also criticized the close cooperation between Ottawa and Alberta on a pipeline project that has not yet identified a final route or private sector developer.
The Alberta-Canada energy agreement finalised key parts of a Memorandum of Understanding first signed in November 2025.
The agreement includes changes to environmental policies aimed at reducing regulatory uncertainty for the energy industry.
Federal and Alberta officials said the changes are meant to help increase energy production and exports to international markets.
One major part of the agreement allows Alberta to avoid a sharp increase in the federal industrial carbon tax.
Officials estimate this could save Alberta energy companies around USD 250 billion by 2050.
The agreement quickly became a major political issue in British Columbia.
BC Conservative Party leaders accused the B.C. government of failing to protect the province’s economic interests.
Interim Conservative leader Trevor Halford said the B.C. government had been left out of an important national economic discussion.
Halford called the pipeline agreement a “nation-building deal” linked directly to B.C.’s ports, workers, and future economic growth.
He criticized the provincial NDP government for dismissing the project instead of working with federal and Alberta leaders.
B.C. Conservative Energy Critic Larry Neufeld also attacked the provincial government.
Neufeld said the NDP had ignored workers and families who could benefit from the project.
He referred to earlier comments made by provincial officials who questioned whether the pipeline was a realistic proposal.
According to Neufeld, the agreement showed that other governments would continue moving forward even if British Columbia refused to participate.
Meanwhile, the Green Party of British Columbia strongly opposed the deal.
Green Party leader Emily Lowan described the agreement as a “backroom pipeline deal.”
She argued that allowing Alberta to influence oil policy affecting British Columbia was the wrong approach.
Lowan said a new pipeline would not help working people economically or environmentally.
She also accused Alberta Premier Danielle Smith of supporting fossil fuel interests over climate concerns.
Jeremy Valeriote said the agreement moved Canada backwards on environmental policy and mainly supported corporate interests.
The debate highlights growing tensions between economic growth, environmental policy, and regional political interests in Canada.
Supporters of the project say the pipeline could strengthen Canada’s economy, create jobs, and expand energy exports to Asia.
Critics argue the project could increase environmental risks and slow efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependence.
The proposed pipeline is expected to remain a major political issue as governments continue discussions on energy policy, climate goals, and economic development across Canada.
