VICTORIA, B.C.: The Conservative Party of British Columbia Leader John Rustad says the new memorandum of understanding between the Government of Canada and the Province of Alberta exposes a humiliating truth for Premier David Eby. While Alberta and Ottawa move ahead on a new North Coast pipeline initiative, the Premier of British Columbia was not even in the room.
“British Columbia was cut out of a pipeline agreement that will shape the future of our province. That is a direct result of David Eby’s open hostility to resource development,” said Rustad. “The Prime Minister said this morning during his press conference with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith that this project will have “substantive economic benefits for British Columbia.” Yet our own Premier refuses to support it, refuses to participate, and refuses to fight for the thousands of jobs this project could create.”
Rustad said the MOU makes clear that Alberta and the federal government are serious about advancing a new export pipeline, while British Columbia’s government is choosing to be an obstacle to this important nation-buildling project.
“Alberta is at the table. Ottawa is at the table. David Eby is nowhere to be found,” Rustad said. “If the Prime Minister is saying this pipeline will bring major economic benefits to British Columbia, why is our Premier working so hard to stop it? British Columbians deserve a Premier who fights for investment, jobs, and opportunity, not one who blocks prosperity and drives investment away.”
Rustad said the NDP’s refusal to support nation-building energy projects has already cost the province billions in lost revenues, cancelled investments, and tens of thousands of foregone jobs. A new export pipeline to the North Coast would bring long-term employment, support communities in the North, strengthen national security, and help Canada compete globally.
“This Premier talks about affordability while opposing the projects that pay for hospitals, schools, and services. He warns about threats to our economy while helping to create those threats through bad policy and ideological opposition,” Rustad said. “He claims to have his elbows up, but he sells our oil to the United States at a twenty to thirty percent discount. Once again, the NDP is putting British Columbians last.”
Rustad added that the Conservatives will continue to champion responsible energy development as a path to prosperity and security for the province.
“British Columbia should be leading the country in growth and opportunity. Instead, David Eby has us watching from the sidelines while others shape our future,” Rustad said. “This is what happens when a Premier puts politics and ideology ahead of people. British Columbians deserve a premier and a government that will put the future of British Columbia ahead of narrow partisan interests.”
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Media Contact:
Ryan Painter
Communications
Ryan.Painter@leg.bc.ca
