Eby Rules Out Support for New B.C. Pipeline, Rebuffs Ford's Requests

British Columbia Premier David Eby has firmly rejected the idea of supporting a new oil pipeline through his province, directly countering recent suggestions from Ontario Premier Doug Ford that Eby might change his stance in the near future.

In a statement issued following Ford’s remarks on Monday, Premier Eby pointed out that the Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) pipeline, which is publicly owned, already operates across B.C. He reiterated that the provincial government remains opposed to removing the longstanding ban on oil tankers along British Columbia's northern coastline. “Our position hasn’t changed,” Eby emphasized, underlining the government’s commitment to environmental protections and coastal safety.

Eby responded pointedly to Ford’s optimism about the potential for a new pipeline deal, drawing analogies to highlight what he described as unrealistic expectations. “It’s not my job to tell Premier Ford it’s extremely unlikely there will be a tunnel under Toronto’s Highway 401,” Eby remarked. He also referenced Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s vision for connecting her province to northern B.C. with another pipeline as being “many, many years off,” noting that no viable proposal currently exists.

The premier stressed that his primary responsibility is to safeguard the interests of British Columbians, particularly by advancing projects that are “shovel-ready” and align with the province’s values and priorities. Eby’s comments made clear that B.C. would focus on practical infrastructure initiatives rather than speculative ventures involving controversial energy projects.

Ford’s comments came ahead of a high-profile meeting between Canada’s premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney, where he expressed confidence that both Eby and Carney could eventually agree on a second pipeline project. However, Eby’s statements suggest any such agreement remains distant, if not outright impossible, given B.C.’s current political and environmental landscape.

Speaking from Osaka, Japan, where he is undertaking a 10-day trade mission throughout Asia, Eby delegated representation at the national premiers’ meeting in Saskatoon to Deputy Premier Niki Sharma. This move further signaled B.C.’s resolve to stand by its existing commitments and priorities on the issue of oil pipelines and coastal protection.