B.C.’s premier-designate Lorne Doerkson said the first calls he plans to make in his new role are to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to throw his support behind the Pacific Link Pipeline. Making his first appearance since the Conservatives swept to a stunning victory in the snap election, Doerkson reiterated his plan to “supercharge the economy” by doubling down on resource extraction. “Our resources are the strongest hand that British Columbia holds, and we will for sure play them,” he said. “That means getting projects to yes, building out LNG, and getting our energy to new markets in Asia, and making British Columbia the most attractive place in the world to invest.” Smith congratulated Doerkson on his party’s victory Saturday in a statement posted to social media. “Alberta and British Columbia share strong economic ties and common interests, from trade and energy to transportation and economic growth,” Smith wrote. The Alberta leader said she looks forward to working with Doerksen on priorities shared by the neighbouring provinces, including “unleashing Canada’s potential as an energy superpower.” This is a developing story. More to come.
