Eby tells Carney to 'stop rewarding bad behaviour' after feds sign pipeline agreement with Alberta

Premier David Eby has accused Prime Minister Mark Carney of "rewarding bad behaviour" by signing an agreement with his Alberta counterpart on a new west coast pipeline and reduced industrial carbon pricing.

He called on Ottawa to give "more attention" to British Columbia, and suggested the move was only made because Premier Danielle Smith's province has threatened to separate from Canada.

"As a country, it's time to stop rewarding bad behaviour," Eby said in a statement. "It cannot be the case that the projects that get prioritized in Canada are those where a Premier threatens to leave the country."

He noted that BC has "what the rest of the world is looking for," such as critical minerals, natural resources, and access to ports.

"We have shovel-ready projects with real proponents, and investments that will provide good-paying jobs and funding for public services," Eby added. "Some of our $88 billion in prioritized projects have already reached final investment decisions creating thousands of new, high-paying jobs."

One of the major barriers to pushing a pipeline through to the Pacific is BC's opposition to repealing the North Coast tanker ban.

Eby made it clear his government's position on that issue has not changed.

"British Columbia is a vital part of Canada," he added. "We must work together across federal-provincial lines to build this nation and to strengthen it. I know the Prime Minister believes we can work better in partnership as well."

During a press conference following the signing of the agreement, Carney revealed that he will be meeting with Eby in Vancouver next week.

"We will address a series of issues directly in the interest of BC as well as issues in partnership with the govt of Canada and govt of Alberta," he said.

Eby said his government's plan is to "bring [Carney] a list of projects we can all work on for the benefit of all Canadians," and to "find a path forward."

Eby has remained steadfast in his belief that a west coast pipeline will never happen, repeatedly reiterating that it "has yet to have a proponent or a route."