B.C. Premier David Eby and Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson touted a breakthrough in a major liquefied natural gas project Thursday, announcing LNG Canada was one step closer to becoming a reality. Specifically, it was an “enhanced co-operation agreement to advance LNG Canada Phase 2 expansion towards its potential 2026 final investment decision,” Hodgson told reporters. But while energy dominated the news Thursday, the spectre of an announcement Friday about a potential bitumen pipeline to B.C.’s coast stole much of the LNG project’s thunder. Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed an update was coming. “We will also advance a potential pipeline to transport at least one million barrels of low-emission Alberta oil a day to new markets,” said Carney. The prime minister will meet with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Friday in Calgary, declaring progress on a proposed pipeline to the Pacific, including a deal to set carbon pricing lower. Eby spoke Thursday afternoon with Carney about the plans, and said he wants B.C. to get as much attention as its neighbouring province. “There is an opportunity for the federal government to work as closely with us on these projects as they do on Premier Smith’s pipeline, which has yet to have a proponent or a route,” said Eby. Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre pushed for action, not announcements from Carney. He called for the government to “permit a pipeline to the Pacific within 100 days of getting Alberta’s application,” and for that project to be “under construction before this Christma.” “Let’s get building a pipeline, now,” he demanded. It’s a sentiment echoed by B.C. Conservative interim leader Trevor Halford, who is critical of the B.C. NDP’s opposition to the project. “They cheer for the energy sector when it sees them fit,” Halford said. “For us, we know we need an addtional pipeline, so let’s get on with it.”
