December 4, 2025
Parteek Singh Mahal
British Columbia’s Premier David Eby called for a national shift from exporting raw resources to building Canadian refineries, while also declaring the North Coast oil tanker ban “non-negotiable.”
Eby during an interview with RED FM on Thursday outlined clear energy priorities, arguing that Canada should focus on building domestic refineries for energy independence and declaring that the North Coast oil tanker ban is non-negotiable.
During the interview, Premier Eby questioned the national priority of shipping raw resources when Canada could be refining products at home.
“Why is the number one goal of Alberta and the federal government to ship raw fishermen to other countries so they can refine it?” Eby asked, noting that BC currently imports significant volumes of gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel from the United States.
“This is a time to build refineries and be energy independent, this is a time for us to export refined products around the world.”
Eby expressed a desire for “more ambition” from provincial and federal leaders, contrasting the push for new, non-existent pipeline projects with the tangible need to secure Canada’s own supply chains and export refined goods. He pointed out that the federally owned Trans Mountain pipeline is not currently at full capacity and could be expanded if necessary.
When he was asked whether his government would consider softening its stance on the moratorium on oil tankers off the North Coast, Premier Eby gave an unequivocal refusal.
“Absolutely not,” he stated, emphasizing that the ban has been aggressively defended by multiple governments, including previous BC Liberal and federal Conservative administrations, due to economic necessity.
Eby detailed the significant risk an oil spill poses to the province’s coastal economy. He warned that a spill would “decimate a $1.7 billion economy on our coast,” shutting down the critical fishery for salmon, crabs, and other marine life.
He also linked the preservation of the ban directly to his government’s prioritization of the LNG Canada Phase 2 project, which he called the “largest private sector investment in Canadian history.” The Premier confirmed that this major project depends on the support of First Nations who are insistent that the oil tanker ban remain in place.
Eby concluded his remarks on the issue by criticizing the official opposition, stating, “I’m trying to deliver jobs and prosperity for British Columbians, and the Conservatives are working with [Alberta Premier] Danielle Smith on a non-existent pipeline that will undermine the largest private sector investments in Canadian history.”
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