WATCH: Eby rejects accusations of Cabinet fracture after minister attacks LNG approval
BC Premier David Eby is rejecting accusations of divisions within his government after one of his own ministers publicly criticized the NDP Government’s approval of a major LNG project.
On Friday, Minister of Emergency Management & Climate Readiness Kelly Greene publicly expressed her "disappointment" in the BC Government's fast-tracking approvals for the Tilbury LNG Phase 1B expansion in Delta.
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Asked about Minister Greene's statement, Eby suggested it was issued with his approval, stating that he allows dissent while rejecting accusations of Cabinet fracture.
"I support Kelly being able to advocate for her community...there is space in our cabinet and in our caucus for dissent," answered Eby, adding "we worked together on her statements."
Eby went on to argue that a difference of views within his government was actually a strength for the NDP, in contrast to the BC Conservatives.
The Conservatives have characterized Greene's statements as "extreme dysfunction" that risks economic development.
“Minister Greene’s fear-mongering about LNG is the type of rhetoric that will hold our province back. Greene says that she raised her concerns with the government at every opportunity for months, which begs the question: how much of a delay was caused by her opposition to the project?" asked Conservative Energy Critic Larry Neufeld.
Read the BC Conservatives' full response on Minister Kelly Greene
While individual backbench MLAs periodically openly differ with their own party, Cabinet ministers are traditionally expected to publicly support Government decisions.
A recent poll from the Angus Reid Institute reported that nearly one-third (32%) of past NDP voters disapprove of Eby's performance.
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