Carney, Eby strike multibillion-dollar major projects deal ahead of West Coast pipeline announcement
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Prime Minister Mark Carney announces a multibillion-dollar deal with B.C. Premier David Eby in Vancouver on Thursday.ETHAN CAIRNS/The Canadian Press
The federal government and British Columbia announced a multibillion-dollar agreement Thursday that aims to speed up development of several major projects in the province, while reaffirming a federal North Coast tanker ban.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and B.C. Premier David Eby jointly announced a Canada-British Columbia Co-operative Prosperity Agreement in Vancouver, just hours before the Alberta government and Mr. Carney are expected to release details about plans for a new pipeline to the West Coast.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to hold a news conference at 6 p.m. local time in Calgary with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to “provide updates on proposed new energy infrastructure.”
Speaking in Vancouver, Mr. Carney said the billions in federal support for major projects in British Columbia are part of the government’s stated goal of doubling non-U.S. exports over the next decade.
He said Ottawa will provide $3.5-billion for phases one and two of the North Coast Transmission Line.
The project would twin existing transmission lines from Prince George to Terrace. The additional capacity would help power the Ksi Lisims LNG facility and critical-mineral developments in the region.
Ottawa has already referred that project to its Major Projects Office, which is responsible for helping to accelerate project approvals.
Earlier this month, Mr. Eby said the province’s priorities in its negotiations with Ottawa included major infrastructure projects such as federal participation in the North Coast Transmission Line and the Massey Tunnel.
The province has already begun design and early construction work to replace the George Massey Tunnel with a new toll-free, eight-lane tunnel under the Fraser River. Earlier this month, the province announced that it had not yet approved a final construction agreement and would be retendering the project.
The province has said the project is estimated to cost $4.15-billion.
On Thursday, Mr. Carney announced that Ottawa would provide up to $3-bilion.
Other funding pledges announced Thursday by the Prime Minister include $10-billion in major infrastructure upgrades to expand port capacity at the Roberts Bank Terminal and $500-million to expand the Red Chris Mine.
Mr. Carney also said Ottawa will work with the private sector, communities and First Nations to accelerate the permitting, financing and construction of major LNG projects, including LNG Canada, Ksi Lisims, Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project, Cedar, and Woodfibre LNG.
“These projects will more than triple Canada’s LNG production over the next decade and reach new markets in Asia and Europe,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the agreement with B.C. commits to maintaining the federal North Coast tanker ban, in accordance with the proposed route of a new trans-provincial pipeline under the bilateral agreement between Ottawa and Alberta.
Mr. Eby told reporters Thursday that the deal will support good jobs, strengthen the economy and build crucial infrastructure. He said he was proud to say that through negotiations, B.C. secured a federal commitment to maintain the northern tanker ban.
“This agreement doesn’t require us to support any pipeline proposal from Alberta,” he said.
“However, as I’ve said before, we recognize our constitutional position, and we do not have the authority to stop a new pipeline. We will not be going to court to fight a pipeline project. Instead, we will ensure we fulfil our constitutional obligations in good faith. Pipelines are federal jurisdiction.”
