Energy Minister Tim Hodgson downplayed inquiries about the potential repeal of the tanker ban in British Columbia’s northern waters by the Liberal government. Hodgson dismissed these queries as “hypothetical” as Alberta had not yet formally proposed a pipeline for review. During a press briefing in Montreal, Hodgson responded to Alberta’s announcement of intentions to present a new bitumen pipeline proposal for the northern coast of B.C., a move that faced criticism from B.C. Premier David Eby.
Hodgson emphasized that if Alberta wishes to advocate for a pipeline and invest the necessary funds to support it, they have the right to do so. He stated that once Alberta submits the project for consideration, like any other initiative, the government will assess it at that time.
Alberta justified its role as the applicant for the pipeline due to the reluctance of private industry to commit capital for such a project because of existing federal regulations like the 2019 ban on oil tankers in B.C.’s northern waters. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith underscored the challenge of constructing a pipeline to the northwest coast while maintaining a tanker ban during a press conference in Calgary.
Hodgson reiterated that the government’s stance on repealing the tanker ban depended on the presence of a specific project for assessment. B.C. Energy Minister Adrian Dix stressed the importance of the tanker ban in safeguarding the province’s coastline, crucial for its economy, during an interview with CBC’s The House. Dix emphasized the significance of existing projects that require federal support for their advancement.
Dix emphasized B.C.’s opposition to any development that could harm the province’s economy and highlighted the vital role of the tanker ban in economic growth on the north coast. He pointed out that Alberta’s struggle to secure a proponent for the bitumen pipeline was due to a lack of a viable business case.
Executive Chair of Cenovus Energy, Alex Pourbaix, disputed B.C.’s argument about the absence of a business case for the pipeline, emphasizing Canada’s vast oil resources and global demand. Pourbaix explained Alberta’s approach of initially involving the government to address legislative barriers to development and then transitioning to private sector involvement once the project gains momentum.
Smith expressed optimism about potential revisions to the tanker restrictions and indicated her communication with Prime Minister Mark Carney on the matter. She also highlighted plans for substantial reforms to the Impact Assessment Act and the proposed federal cap on oil and gas sector emissions. The Alberta government aims to submit its application to the Major Projects Office in the spring of 2026.
