November 27,2025
RED FM News Desk
Premier David Eby says renewed efforts to push a new pipeline through British Columbia have become an unnecessary “distraction” from major projects already advancing in the province.
Speaking outside the legislature Thursday, Eby criticized the federal government’s new memorandum of understanding with Alberta, which could open the door to a pipeline project. B.C. was not included in the negotiations.
Eby warned that this “fictional, non-existent, unfunded project” has turned into an “energy vampire,” siphoning attention from real B.C. initiatives that are much closer to becoming reality.
“It cannot pull limited federal resources, limited Indigenous governance resources, or limited provincial resources away from the projects that will actually employ people, generate money our country urgently needs, and expand our access to global markets,” he said.
The MOU states that Ottawa’s support depends on the pipeline being designated a project of national interest and offering opportunities for Indigenous co-ownership and shared economic benefits.
Eby urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to engage with Coastal First Nations, who remain firmly opposed to another pipeline and insist the North Coast tanker ban must stay in place without exceptions.
“There is no First Nations support for this,” Eby said. “I look forward to the prime minister honouring his commitment to Coastal First Nations and ensuring they are at the table.”
While noting that B.C. should have been involved in developing the MOU, Eby said he is deliberately directing his government’s focus elsewhere.
“Our priority is on projects we can actually deliver—projects that are moving forward. Spending time on something with none of the key elements of real B.C. projects—no private backer, no company advancing it, no permits, no route—is not where British Columbia needs to be.”
Eby also suggested that Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe’s attention was diverted by the pipeline push, contributing to potash company Nutrien choosing Washington state over B.C. for a new terminal.
“It really pissed me off that we lost the Nutrien deal. That was entirely avoidable, and that one gets under my skin,” he said.
“We cannot keep getting distracted by this theoretical project and let it cost us real opportunities.”
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