BC's multibillion-dollar MOU with Ottawa upholds tanker ban, secures benefits if new pipeline built

VANCOUVER — British Columbia and Ottawa have inked a new memorandum of understanding that will impact the province and its residents in a number of ways.

The Canada-BC Cooperative Prosperity Agreement includes billions in funding for major infrastructure projects, upholds the North Coast oil tanker ban, and ensures British Columbians will benefit if a new pipeline is built.

"Although BC does not seek this project," the agreement states, referring to the pipeline from Alberta, "it recognizes its constitutional obligations and commits to acting in good faith to engage in the necessary routing and permitting discussions, within its jurisdiction."

That promise is dependent on a list of "reciprocal commitments" from the federal government.

In addition to the aforementioned upholding of the tanker ban "without alteration, suspension, or narrowing of scope," Ottawa must also commit to engaging with First Nations, advance Indigenous ownership and partnership, and provide loan guarantee support to First Nations communities impacted by the pipeline to acquire equity in the project.

Under the terms of the agreement, if the pipeline is built, BC would receive "an annual royalty payment ... by the pipeline operator," and "environmental liability and emergency response fund held in trust accessible by BC and First Nations."

During a press conference on Thursday, Eby acknowledged that Ottawa has the final say on such a pipeline.

"This agreement doesn't require us to support any pipeline proposal from Alberta," he said. "However we recognize our constitutional position. We do not have the authority to stop a new pipeline. We will not be going to court to fight a pipeline project."

Eby made it clear, however, that regardless of what Ottawa or Alberta say, BC's position on a pipeline to the North Coast will not change.

Alberta is set to announce further details of its proposal later Thursday.