Energy Minister Tim Hodgson dismissed inquiries about the potential repeal of the tanker ban in northern B.C. waters by the Liberal government as speculative, citing the absence of a formal pipeline proposal from Alberta. Hodgson made these comments during a press briefing in Montreal on Friday, responding to Alberta’s intention to present a new bitumen pipeline project for the northern coast of B.C., which was met with criticism from B.C. Premier David Eby.
Hodgson stated that Alberta has the right to propose and finance a pipeline project, and once it is presented, the government will assess it like any other project. Alberta insists on leading the application process due to a lack of private industry investment caused by federal regulations such as the 2019 oil tanker restrictions in northern B.C. waters.
During a Calgary news conference, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith emphasized the contradiction of maintaining a tanker ban while constructing a pipeline to the northwest coast. Hodgson reiterated that the government’s stance on repealing the tanker ban hinges on the absence of a specific project proposal.
B.C. Energy Minister Adrian Dix defended the tanker ban in an interview on CBC’s The House, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding the province’s coastal areas, which are vital for its economy. Dix expressed support for ongoing projects requiring federal backing, contrasting them with theoretical endeavors. He underscored B.C.’s opposition to any initiative detrimental to the provincial economy, highlighting the foundational role of the tanker ban in northern coast economic activities.
In contrast, Alex Pourbaix, the executive chair of Cenovus Energy and a member of Alberta’s pipeline application supervisory panel, refuted B.C.’s argument against the business viability of the project. Pourbaix stressed the need for Canada to meet global oil demand and clarified Alberta’s strategy to collaborate with the federal government to address regulatory barriers hindering development.
Smith conveyed optimism about potential revisions to the tanker restrictions, emphasizing discussions with Prime Minister Mark Carney. She expressed hope for Ottawa to amend laws hindering economic growth. Additionally, she outlined intentions to pursue substantial changes to the Impact Assessment Act and the proposed federal emissions cap on the oil and gas sector.
The Alberta government aims to submit its pipeline application to the Major Projects Office by spring 2026.
