PREMIER David Eby said in a statement on Friday about the MOU between Alberta and the federal government: “As a country, it’s time to stop rewarding bad behaviour. It cannot be the case that the projects that get prioritized in Canada are those where a Premier [Alberta Premier Danielle Smith] threatens to leave the country.”
Eby added: “Here in B.C., we have what the rest of the world is looking for: critical minerals, natural resources, and port access. We have shovel-ready projects with real proponents, and investments that will provide good-paying jobs and funding for public services. Some of our $88 billion in prioritized projects have already reached final investment decisions creating thousands of new, high-paying jobs.
“Despite this early success, our 35 additional job-creating projects need more attention from, and co-ordination with, Ottawa.
“These 35 projects will bring jobs and prosperity to all of Canada. The federal government must work as closely with us on these projects as they work with the Government of Alberta on Premier Danielle Smith’s proposed pipeline – a project that has yet to identify a proponent or a route.
“Our government’s opposition to any repeal of the North Coast tanker ban has not changed.
“British Columbia is a vital part of Canada. We must work together across federal-provincial lines to build this nation and to strengthen it.
“I know the Prime Minister believes we can work better in partnership as well.
“Next week, I’ll be meeting with the Prime Minister to bring him a list of projects we can work on for the benefit of all Canadians. We will find a path forward, together – as Canadians.
“Canada is our strength. We love this country.”
MEANWHILE, federal NDP Leader Avi Lewis slammed Prime Minister Mark Carney, saying: “This announcement marks the Carney government’s official surrender to the oil and gas lobby.
“By gutting carbon pricing to the point of irrelevance, it has dismantled the last federal climate measure standing. We now have a federal government that no longer even pretends to rein in big corporate polluters.
“While the rest of the world races ahead on renewables, building the economy of the future, the Liberal government is taking us backwards, locking us into more pipelines, more fossil fuel dependence, and more handouts for some of the richest corporations on earth.
“An industry expected to make $90 billion in profits this year alone does not need more gifts from the public.
“Yesterday’s release of the government’s so-called clean electricity strategy is a transparent attempt to distract from this latest capitulation to the fossil fuel industry – and it’s not even a ‘clean’ electricity strategy worthy of the name when it opens the door to more high-emission gas plants.
“Prime Minister Carney is rushing Canada in the wrong direction.
“His government has flooded the zone with sweeping changes all at once, bulldozing public debate, Indigenous consultation, and environmental protection along the way.
“The message to Canadians is crystal clear: the C-suite asks, and Ottawa delivers. If you’re a powerful corporation, you go to the front of the line. If you’re struggling to pay rent, feed your kids, or find a family doctor, you’re told to wait.
“None of these giant changes make our country more secure, independent, or stable. None of them directly address the cost of living crisis. All of them promise corporate welfare for the billionaire class, and more hardship for the 99%.”
