Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new energy accord with Alberta, centred on a potential heavy oil pipeline to the Pacific Coast, has triggered major political and Indigenous backlash. While the deal aims to ease regulatory barriers, lift tanker restrictions, and expand exports in exchange for higher Alberta carbon pricing and carbon-capture commitments, BC and coastal First Nations have firmly rejected any pipeline or tanker traffic. Haida and Coastal First Nations leaders say no assurances can guarantee protection from spills, calling the project impossible to approve. The agreement has also cost Carney a cabinet minister, Steven Guilbeault, who resigned over environmental principles. Despite strong support from Alberta and business groups, no proponent, route, financing, or Indigenous consent exists, and BC Premier David Eby argues it risks diverting resources from viable projects.
