British Columbia Premier David Eby stated that there were no significant developments regarding a proposed oil pipeline to the West Coast after a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. The meeting in Ottawa on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026, was described as "cordial" by Eby.
The proposed pipeline has been a point of contention between Eby and Smith. Smith has been advocating for the project, while Eby has voiced concerns, particularly regarding the lack of a private company willing to finance the project and the absence of buy-in from impacted Indigenous groups. Eby has also consistently expressed concerns about the potential for a bitumen spill to devastate the North Coast economy and has reiterated his support for the existing tanker ban.
Despite the lack of progress, Smith affirmed her commitment to keeping Eby informed about Alberta's progress with the project. She believes the proposal is feasible and aims to submit it to the federal government's Major Projects Office in June for review. Smith hopes to get a decision by the end of the year. Eby acknowledged Carney's "constitutional authority" over pipeline projects but emphasized the importance of engaging with First Nations throughout the process. He stated that his position remains unchanged.
