Listen Live

Pipeline tensions linger despite positive first ministers’ summit

Alberta’s push for a pipeline through northern B.C. is threatening to cause friction, even as leaders presented a united front after the First Ministers’ meeting.

Provincial and territorial leaders met with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Saskatoon on Monday, each bringing their own wish lists for major projects. The meeting occurred against the backdrop of a U.S. tariff war and the recently rekindled though not formally endorsed Alberta separatist movement.

Carney’s government is preparing legislation that would fast-track certain “nation-building” projects. After Monday’s meeting, Carney said the ministers discussed various projects, including those supporting a new western and Arctic energy corridor.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wants a pipeline carrying Alberta bitumen to the Port of Prince Rupert on B.C.’s north coast, presenting it as an issue of national unity.

Smith said the federal government needs to reconsider its “terrible policies,” which she argued create barriers for attracting proponents of future pipelines, including the ban on oil tankers in northern British Columbia waters.

B.C. Deputy Premier Niki Sharma attended the meeting while B.C. Premier David Eby is in Asia on a trade mission. Sharma emphasized that B.C. supports the “Team Canada” approach to economic development but said the province is looking toward “shovel-ready” projects, with a focus on clean energy and critical minerals.

“We have a difference of opinion about whether or not a bitumen pipeline should go, particularly in the northern part of the province,” Sharma told reporters Monday. “We’re going to be focusing on those projects that have proponents, that have a lot of First Nations alignment, that are ready to go.”

Sharma largely sidestepped questions about whether the B.C. government would support the federal government rolling back the oil tanker ban, saying only that it’s an important issue for residents of B.C.’s north coast.

It was Carney’s first meeting with the premiers since the federal election, and leaders sounded an optimistic tone overall.

“I’m going to be very blunt here: this has been the best meeting we’ve had in 10 years,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said after the gathering.

Smith, who has had a contentious relationship with Ottawa, said she was “encouraged” by the conversation’s tone.

“When we hear the prime minister talking about being an energy superpower, we haven’t heard that language in some time.”

The meeting ended without identifying specific projects the federal government plans to pursue. Carney said the list will be finalized in the coming weeks.

Emily Joveski
Emily Joveski
Emily Joveski is the provincial news reporter for Vista Radio, based in Victoria B.C. She has worked in radio for more than a decade, and was previously on the airwaves as a broadcaster for The Canadian Press in Toronto. When she's not at her desk, she might be found exploring Vancouver Island or loitering in a local book store.

Continue Reading

cfcp Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

B.C. receives first payout of $936M in landmark tobacco settlement

British Columbia has received its first payment as part of a major tobacco settlement with provinces, territories and former smokers. 

Trifecta of long weekend action for Comox Valley sports fans

There's no shortage of local action in store to satisfy most Comox Valley sports fans through the long weekend.

handyDART services expanding to statutory holidays in the Comox Valley

More accessible transit options will be available every statutory holiday in the Comox Valley starting this long weekend. 

B.C. sending 1,600 overdose prevention kits to post-secondary schools

The British Columbia government is distributing 1,600 naloxone kits to public post-secondary institutions in the province. 

Crews to begin setting up for 6th Street Bridge construction Tuesday

An important next step for a new active transportation project in Courtenay is scheduled to start after the long weekend. 
- Advertisement -

Pipeline tensions linger despite positive first ministers’ summit

- Advertisement -

B.C. receives first payout of $936M in landmark tobacco settlement

British Columbia has received its first payment as part of a major tobacco settlement with provinces, territories and former smokers. 

Trifecta of long weekend action for Comox Valley sports fans

There's no shortage of local action in store to satisfy most Comox Valley sports fans through the long weekend.

handyDART services expanding to statutory holidays in the Comox Valley

More accessible transit options will be available every statutory holiday in the Comox Valley starting this long weekend. 

B.C. sending 1,600 overdose prevention kits to post-secondary schools

The British Columbia government is distributing 1,600 naloxone kits to public post-secondary institutions in the province. 

Crews to begin setting up for 6th Street Bridge construction Tuesday

An important next step for a new active transportation project in Courtenay is scheduled to start after the long weekend. 

B.C. approves expansion at Mount Polley mine

British Columbia has approved an expansion project at the Mount Polley Mine, about 56 kilometres northeast of Williams Lake. 

Comox Valley Schools urging drivers to slow down ahead of school season

Comox Valley Schools wants drivers to slow down, stay alert, and share the road responsibly with children and families, cyclists, and buses. 

B.C. health officials urge parents to update children’s vaccinations ahead of school year

British Columbia’s deputy provincial health officer is urging parents to ensure their children are up to date on their vaccines as most kids prepare prepare to return to school next week.

B.C. drivers paying highest taxes on gas in Canada, says taxpayer group

A taxpayer advocacy group claims some British Columbians pay the highest taxes on gasoline in Canada.

Two Comox Valley facilities reopening next week following summer maintenance

Two popular Comox Valley facilities will reopen next week under a fall schedule. 

B.C. opening thousands more seats for students this fall

The British Columbia government is promoting thousands of new seats ready for students this school year.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Pipeline tensions linger despite positive first ministers’ summit

Sample author description

Author Archive

B.C. receives first payout of $936M in landmark tobacco settlement

British Columbia has received its first payment as part of a major tobacco settlement with provinces, territories and former smokers. 

Trifecta of long weekend action for Comox Valley sports fans

There's no shortage of local action in store to satisfy most Comox Valley sports fans through the long weekend.

handyDART services expanding to statutory holidays in the Comox Valley

More accessible transit options will be available every statutory holiday in the Comox Valley starting this long weekend. 

B.C. sending 1,600 overdose prevention kits to post-secondary schools

The British Columbia government is distributing 1,600 naloxone kits to public post-secondary institutions in the province. 

Crews to begin setting up for 6th Street Bridge construction Tuesday

An important next step for a new active transportation project in Courtenay is scheduled to start after the long weekend. 

B.C. approves expansion at Mount Polley mine

British Columbia has approved an expansion project at the Mount Polley Mine, about 56 kilometres northeast of Williams Lake. 

Comox Valley Schools urging drivers to slow down ahead of school season

Comox Valley Schools wants drivers to slow down, stay alert, and share the road responsibly with children and families, cyclists, and buses. 

B.C. health officials urge parents to update children’s vaccinations ahead of school year

British Columbia’s deputy provincial health officer is urging parents to ensure their children are up to date on their vaccines as most kids prepare prepare to return to school next week.

B.C. drivers paying highest taxes on gas in Canada, says taxpayer group

A taxpayer advocacy group claims some British Columbians pay the highest taxes on gasoline in Canada.

Two Comox Valley facilities reopening next week following summer maintenance

Two popular Comox Valley facilities will reopen next week under a fall schedule. 

B.C. opening thousands more seats for students this fall

The British Columbia government is promoting thousands of new seats ready for students this school year.

B.C. Hydro encourages energy conservation as temperatures soar

High temperatures that have blanketed parts of British Columbia this week are expected to cool gradually in the coming days. 

Late summer traffic surge prompts reminder to slow down, keep roadside workers safe

With the long weekend ahead and back-to-school routines starting next week, drivers are being urged to take extra care around roadside workers. 

Ottawa investing $22.7 for EV charging stations in B.C.

The federal government announced funding on Wednesday to install more than 480 electric vehicle charging stations in British Columbia. 

More than $326M flowing to B.C. municipalities this year from federal infrastructure fund

The federal government is providing more than $326 million this year to British Columbia communities to help address infrastructure needs.

B.C. caps rent increases at 2.3 per cent in 2026

British Columbia is again tying maximum rent increases to inflation, capping increases at 2.3 per cent in 2026.
- Advertisement -

Latest News

B.C. receives first payout of $936M in landmark tobacco settlement

British Columbia has received its first payment as part of a major tobacco settlement with provinces, territories and former smokers. 

Trifecta of long weekend action for Comox Valley sports fans

There's no shortage of local action in store to satisfy most Comox Valley sports fans through the long weekend.

handyDART services expanding to statutory holidays in the Comox Valley

More accessible transit options will be available every statutory holiday in the Comox Valley starting this long weekend. 

B.C. sending 1,600 overdose prevention kits to post-secondary schools

The British Columbia government is distributing 1,600 naloxone kits to public post-secondary institutions in the province. 

Crews to begin setting up for 6th Street Bridge construction Tuesday

An important next step for a new active transportation project in Courtenay is scheduled to start after the long weekend. 
- Advertisement -

Search results for: Pipeline tensions linger despite positive first ministers’ summit

B.C. receives first payout of $936M in landmark tobacco settlement

British Columbia has received its first payment as part of a major tobacco settlement with provinces, territories and former smokers. 

Trifecta of long weekend action for Comox Valley sports fans

There's no shortage of local action in store to satisfy most Comox Valley sports fans through the long weekend.

handyDART services expanding to statutory holidays in the Comox Valley

More accessible transit options will be available every statutory holiday in the Comox Valley starting this long weekend. 

B.C. sending 1,600 overdose prevention kits to post-secondary schools

The British Columbia government is distributing 1,600 naloxone kits to public post-secondary institutions in the province. 

Crews to begin setting up for 6th Street Bridge construction Tuesday

An important next step for a new active transportation project in Courtenay is scheduled to start after the long weekend. 

B.C. approves expansion at Mount Polley mine

British Columbia has approved an expansion project at the Mount Polley Mine, about 56 kilometres northeast of Williams Lake. 

Comox Valley Schools urging drivers to slow down ahead of school season

Comox Valley Schools wants drivers to slow down, stay alert, and share the road responsibly with children and families, cyclists, and buses. 

B.C. health officials urge parents to update children’s vaccinations ahead of school year

British Columbia’s deputy provincial health officer is urging parents to ensure their children are up to date on their vaccines as most kids prepare prepare to return to school next week.

B.C. drivers paying highest taxes on gas in Canada, says taxpayer group

A taxpayer advocacy group claims some British Columbians pay the highest taxes on gasoline in Canada.

Two Comox Valley facilities reopening next week following summer maintenance

Two popular Comox Valley facilities will reopen next week under a fall schedule. 

B.C. opening thousands more seats for students this fall

The British Columbia government is promoting thousands of new seats ready for students this school year.

B.C. Hydro encourages energy conservation as temperatures soar

High temperatures that have blanketed parts of British Columbia this week are expected to cool gradually in the coming days. 

Late summer traffic surge prompts reminder to slow down, keep roadside workers safe

With the long weekend ahead and back-to-school routines starting next week, drivers are being urged to take extra care around roadside workers. 

Ottawa investing $22.7 for EV charging stations in B.C.

The federal government announced funding on Wednesday to install more than 480 electric vehicle charging stations in British Columbia. 

More than $326M flowing to B.C. municipalities this year from federal infrastructure fund

The federal government is providing more than $326 million this year to British Columbia communities to help address infrastructure needs.

B.C. caps rent increases at 2.3 per cent in 2026

British Columbia is again tying maximum rent increases to inflation, capping increases at 2.3 per cent in 2026.
- Advertisement -

Latest News

B.C. receives first payout of $936M in landmark tobacco settlement

British Columbia has received its first payment as part of a major tobacco settlement with provinces, territories and former smokers. 

Trifecta of long weekend action for Comox Valley sports fans

There's no shortage of local action in store to satisfy most Comox Valley sports fans through the long weekend.

handyDART services expanding to statutory holidays in the Comox Valley

More accessible transit options will be available every statutory holiday in the Comox Valley starting this long weekend. 

B.C. sending 1,600 overdose prevention kits to post-secondary schools

The British Columbia government is distributing 1,600 naloxone kits to public post-secondary institutions in the province. 

Crews to begin setting up for 6th Street Bridge construction Tuesday

An important next step for a new active transportation project in Courtenay is scheduled to start after the long weekend. 
- Advertisement -

Tag: Pipeline tensions linger despite positive first ministers’ summit

B.C. receives first payout of $936M in landmark tobacco settlement

British Columbia has received its first payment as part of a major tobacco settlement with provinces, territories and former smokers. 

Trifecta of long weekend action for Comox Valley sports fans

There's no shortage of local action in store to satisfy most Comox Valley sports fans through the long weekend.

handyDART services expanding to statutory holidays in the Comox Valley

More accessible transit options will be available every statutory holiday in the Comox Valley starting this long weekend. 

B.C. sending 1,600 overdose prevention kits to post-secondary schools

The British Columbia government is distributing 1,600 naloxone kits to public post-secondary institutions in the province. 

Crews to begin setting up for 6th Street Bridge construction Tuesday

An important next step for a new active transportation project in Courtenay is scheduled to start after the long weekend. 

B.C. approves expansion at Mount Polley mine

British Columbia has approved an expansion project at the Mount Polley Mine, about 56 kilometres northeast of Williams Lake. 

Comox Valley Schools urging drivers to slow down ahead of school season

Comox Valley Schools wants drivers to slow down, stay alert, and share the road responsibly with children and families, cyclists, and buses. 

B.C. health officials urge parents to update children’s vaccinations ahead of school year

British Columbia’s deputy provincial health officer is urging parents to ensure their children are up to date on their vaccines as most kids prepare prepare to return to school next week.

B.C. drivers paying highest taxes on gas in Canada, says taxpayer group

A taxpayer advocacy group claims some British Columbians pay the highest taxes on gasoline in Canada.

Two Comox Valley facilities reopening next week following summer maintenance

Two popular Comox Valley facilities will reopen next week under a fall schedule. 

B.C. opening thousands more seats for students this fall

The British Columbia government is promoting thousands of new seats ready for students this school year.

B.C. Hydro encourages energy conservation as temperatures soar

High temperatures that have blanketed parts of British Columbia this week are expected to cool gradually in the coming days. 

Late summer traffic surge prompts reminder to slow down, keep roadside workers safe

With the long weekend ahead and back-to-school routines starting next week, drivers are being urged to take extra care around roadside workers. 

Ottawa investing $22.7 for EV charging stations in B.C.

The federal government announced funding on Wednesday to install more than 480 electric vehicle charging stations in British Columbia. 

More than $326M flowing to B.C. municipalities this year from federal infrastructure fund

The federal government is providing more than $326 million this year to British Columbia communities to help address infrastructure needs.

B.C. caps rent increases at 2.3 per cent in 2026

British Columbia is again tying maximum rent increases to inflation, capping increases at 2.3 per cent in 2026.
- Advertisement -

Latest News

B.C. receives first payout of $936M in landmark tobacco settlement

British Columbia has received its first payment as part of a major tobacco settlement with provinces, territories and former smokers. 

Trifecta of long weekend action for Comox Valley sports fans

There's no shortage of local action in store to satisfy most Comox Valley sports fans through the long weekend.

handyDART services expanding to statutory holidays in the Comox Valley

More accessible transit options will be available every statutory holiday in the Comox Valley starting this long weekend. 

B.C. sending 1,600 overdose prevention kits to post-secondary schools

The British Columbia government is distributing 1,600 naloxone kits to public post-secondary institutions in the province. 

Crews to begin setting up for 6th Street Bridge construction Tuesday

An important next step for a new active transportation project in Courtenay is scheduled to start after the long weekend. 
- Advertisement -