November 20,2025
RED FM News Desk
The leader of British Columbia’s Official Opposition says his party has been in discussions with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith about her proposal to build a pipeline to B.C.’s northern coast.
B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad confirmed he has “of course been talking” with Smith about the idea, adding he has also spoken with officials in Saskatchewan and “many others” regarding the project.
His remarks follow Premier David Eby’s claim that the provincial Conservatives have been holding what he described as “secret conversations” with Alberta. Rustad, however, told reporters at the legislature that nothing has been secret, saying he has openly spoken with both the Alberta and Saskatchewan premiers about the pipeline.
The issue gained momentum after a Globe and Mail report this week stated that the federal and Alberta governments were nearing a memorandum of understanding on a new pipeline that would permit limited tanker traffic along B.C.’s northern coast.
Rustad says he has not participated in those MOU discussions, but he supports Alberta’s goal of reaching markets beyond the United States and securing better prices for its oil, which he argues would benefit both Alberta and Canada as a whole.
He also argues that B.C.’s coastline is “Canada’s coastline,” and says Premier Eby should cooperate with other provincial leaders.
Eby has repeatedly warned that a new pipeline—along with lifting the northern tanker ban—could jeopardize the “fragile” agreement among First Nations that supports other major resource projects in northwest B.C.
In a statement Thursday, Eby called the proposed heavy-oil pipeline “unfunded” and warned it would threaten existing jobs and economic prospects. He added that the northern coast is “not only precious” but also a critical economic engine for the country.
Rustad disagrees, saying Eby is overstating First Nations’ concerns and “fearmongering” about the project, which he notes falls entirely under federal jurisdiction.
B.C. Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon said Wednesday the federal government should instead focus on expanding the capacity of the existing Trans Mountain pipeline.
During Thursday’s question period, B.C. Conservative Peter Milobar said the premier could avoid “two weeks of theatre” by simply acknowledging that the province needs a northern pipeline and an end to the tanker ban.
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