The BC Conservatives have vowed to support a new pipeline to the west coast "in every way" possible, calling opposition to nation-building projects "un-Canadian."
Leader Lorne Doerkson's comments came shortly after Prime Minister Mark Carney designated the new "Pacific Link" pipeline a project of national interest.
Doerkson reiterates his support for a new pipeline following PM Carney’s move to deem the “Pacific Link” a project of national interest:
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) October 1, 2026
“When … fellow Canadians need to get their products to new markets, BC should be helping in every way it can — not standing in the way.” pic.twitter.com/bvF0if6vgB
"The Conservative Party of BC welcomes this decision, Doerkson said during a press conference in Vancouver. "We welcome it because the world desperately needs Canadian energy. We welcome it because BC's economy desperately needs a boost, and the events of the last few years have shown just how important this is to be self-sufficient."
He went on to note that given the instability in the Middle East and eastern Europe, Canada's allies are "looking for a partner that they can count on, a stable democracy, a country that respects the rule of law, and a country with resources, the workers, and the know-how to deliver."
"At a time of economic crisis, saying no to nation-building projects is not just bad policy — it's, of course, un-Canadian," Doerkson continued. "When the good people of Alberta, or Saskatchewan, or any of our other fellow Canadians need to get their products to new markets, BC should be helping in every way it can — not standing in the way."
Doerkson commits to forming a “working group with Alberta, Ottawa, and First Nations” to address the environmental impacts of the new “Pacific Link” pipeline:
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) October 1, 2026
“Protecting our coast and building our economy are not opposites. We can — and we absolutely must —do both.” pic.twitter.com/EU1CmUi04o
Doerkson vowed that, if elected, his government would form a “working group with Alberta, Ottawa, and First Nations” to address the environmental impacts of the new pipeline.
"Protecting our coast and building our economy are not opposites," he declared. "We can — and we absolutely must — do both."
The Pacific Link pipeline is slated to run a 1,200km route from Bruderheim, Alberta to Delta, BC, and will increase Canada's export capacity by a million barrels per day.
Some proposed a northern route, however that is unlikely due to the North Coast Oil Tanker Ban. The BC Conservatives have, under their previous leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, been skeptical of the ban, suggesting it could hinder economic growth
Doerkson doesn’t rule out asking the feds to end the North Coast Oil Tanker Ban, but maintains that the environment must be protected:
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) October 1, 2026
“The reality is that other countries in the world are using these waters — the ban really is one that applies to us.” pic.twitter.com/ohceJ6sYO5
When asked where the party stands under his leadership, Doerkson said he was "concerned about the ban," but also weary of simply doing away with it entirely.
"I want to be very careful, very environmentally aware of what's going on out there," he added. "The reality is that other countries in the world are using these waters — the ban really is one that applies to us."
Jarryd Jäger
Prime Minister Mark Carney made his announcement in Fort McMurray flanked by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Energy Minister Tim Hodgson and Pembina Pipeline Corporation CEO Scott Burrows.
He explained that the MPO will "work to finalize those conditions" by September 1, 2027 to start "clearing the way to get shovels in the ground" as soon as possible.
