BC Premier Eby Criticizes Federal Pipeline Deal with Alberta as Rewarding Bad Behavior

British Columbia Premier David Eby has strongly criticized the federal government's recent agreement with Alberta to advance a new bitumen pipeline to the West Coast. Eby argues that Ottawa is effectively rewarding Alberta's "bad behaviour," specifically referencing Premier Danielle Smith's threats regarding provincial separation, by prioritizing this project. The agreement, signed by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Smith, aims to have the pipeline reviewed by Ottawa’s major projects office by July 1, potentially leading to a national interest declaration by October. While the deal mandates consultation with British Columbia, Eby insists that federal support for B.C.'s own shovel-ready projects must match the attention given to Alberta's proposal. Opposition within B.C. is mixed; Conservative leaders accuse Eby of obstructing national economic interests, while environmental groups and Coastal First Nations reaffirm their staunch opposition to any new pipelines or oil tankers on the North Coast, citing climate risks and lack of indigenous consent. Eby plans to present alternative projects to the Prime Minister in upcoming meetings.