January 6,2026
RED FM News Desk
British Columbia Premier David Eby says he would back building a new oil refinery in Canada rather than pursuing a pipeline to transport oil to Asia.
Eby argues that if public funds are being considered for a pipeline to B.C.’s north coast, they would be better spent supporting Canadian-made oil and gas products instead of relying on American or Chinese refineries.
His remarks come after the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States, an event Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said highlights the urgency of constructing a new pipeline to B.C.’s coast.
In November, Alberta and the federal government signed a memorandum of understanding outlining a possible privately-owned pipeline, despite heavy criticism from some First Nations.
Eby has repeatedly criticized Alberta’s push for a pipeline without a private-sector backer, warning that there may be calls for a publicly funded project, even though current pipeline infrastructure is not being fully utilized.
He made his comments at a news conference announcing an upcoming trade mission to India.
“If we are going to invest public money in our resources here in Canada, I think it’s time to pivot that discussion to a refinery. We still purchase oil products from the United States,” he said.
“I don’t understand why, if we’re talking about major public investment to support Albertans in this fragile global period, we can’t also support all Canadians with oil and gas products made right here at home during our transition.”
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