Remember a few months ago when virtually all of Canada’s political leaders voiced support for big infrastructure projects in the face of U.S. trade threats?
Well, now it’s time to pack up the drum circle, because those harmonious days are over.
Driving the news: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s new push to get an oil pipeline built to the B.C. coast is shining a light on the serious disagreements between the provinces and Ottawa on which major projects get built.
Catch-up: Smith said this week the government of Alberta would get the ball rolling on a proposal for a pipeline to take Alberta oil to B.C.’s coast, an idea that is already generating stiff opposition.
- For the pipeline to go ahead, Ottawa would have to overturn a ban on tankers off the northwest coast of B.C., a move that would spark political backlash in the province.
- B.C. Premier David Eby said he would oppose overturning the tanker ban, and that it was “not a real project” anyway because nobody has committed to paying for it. Coastal First Nations in B.C. are also lining up against the pipeline.
Why it matters: Everyone supports major projects in theory, but there are actually deep political disagreements swirling around; many of them make getting these projects built easier said than done.
What’s next: Prime Minister Carney is expected to announce another round of major projects to fast track in November. Expect harsh criticism from Premier Smith if her pipeline isn’t on that list.—TS