Experts in British Columbia are raising concerns about a potential new oil pipeline to the West Coast, as the federal government moves towards a memorandum of understanding with Alberta. Premier David Eby has urged Ottawa to maintain the ban on tankers carrying more than 12,500 metric tons of crude oil along the northern coast of B.C. Thomas Gunton from Simon Fraser University highlights three major issues with the proposed pipeline: lack of demand, existing pipeline expansion opportunities, and environmental risks to B.C.’s coast.
Gunton emphasizes that the current oil demand is insufficient to support the new pipeline, especially as China’s oil demand is expected to decrease with the rise of electric transportation. He suggests that expanding existing pipelines would be a more cost-effective solution for meeting future demand. Gunton also points out the environmental risks associated with the proposed pipeline, citing the potential for devastating oil spills and the importance of protecting B.C.’s pristine coast.
Moreover, Gunton underscores the social license that British Columbia has developed with First Nations, warning that pushing through the pipeline project could jeopardize this support and lead to conflicts between provinces. He draws parallels to the failed Northern Gateway Pipelines proposal in 2016, which faced backlash for inadequate consultation with First Nations.
Gunton doubts the feasibility of the new project and criticizes the lack of consultation with British Columbia, emphasizing the importance of unity among provinces. Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to announce the memorandum of understanding soon, potentially sparking further debates on the controversial pipeline project.