B.C. Premier David Eby is calling on Ottawa to invest in major infrastructure projects in British Columbia, but he’s not backing down from the federal oil tanker ban on the province’s North Coast.
During a visit to Parliament Hill, Eby pitched B.C. as the ideal partner for nation-building projects. He pointed to billions in potential investment tied to international markets and said B.C. is ready to deliver—with the right federal support.
However, Eby also made it clear that he’s not prepared to revisit the long-standing tanker ban that blocks crude oil shipments through areas like the Port of Prince Rupert. He said there’s no current pipeline proposal or private sector backing.
Energy advisor Chris Sankey, of the Lax Kw’alaams First Nation, says that’s part of the problem. After past projects like the Enbridge Northern Gateway were cancelled, investors have been hesitant to return.
Sankey believes B.C. missed a key opportunity to show openness to responsible development. He argues that oil and gas projects—done with strong environmental standards and Indigenous ownership—could offer a path out of poverty for many in the region.
A second round of fast-tracked federal projects is expected later this fall.
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