Prime Minister Carney and B.C. Premier Eby announce multibillion-dollar prosperity deal
Ottawa will provide $3.5 billion for the North Coast Transmission Line and up to $3 billion toward the Massey Tunnel replacement, while reaffirming the federal North Coast tanker ban.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Columbia Premier David Eby jointly announced a Canada-British Columbia Co-operative Prosperity Agreement on Thursday, committing billions in federal support for major infrastructure projects across the province while reaffirming a federal North Coast tanker ban.
Ottawa will provide $3.5 billion for phases one and two of the North Coast Transmission Line, which would twin existing transmission lines from Prince George to Terrace. The expanded capacity would power the Ksi Lisims LNG facility and critical-mineral developments in the region. The federal government has already referred the project to its Major Projects Office, which accelerates project approvals.
The province will receive up to $3 billion toward replacing the George Massey Tunnel with a new toll-free, eight-lane tunnel under the Fraser River. The province estimated the project at $4.15 billion and announced it had not yet approved a final construction agreement.
Other funding pledges announced Thursday include $10 billion for major infrastructure upgrades to expand port capacity at Roberts Bank Terminal and $500 million to expand the Red Chris Mine.
Carney said Ottawa will work with the private sector, communities, and First Nations to accelerate permitting, financing, and construction of major LNG projects including LNG Canada, Ksi Lisims, Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project, Cedar, and Woodfibre LNG. "These projects will more than triple Canada's LNG production over the next decade and reach new markets in Asia and Europe," he said.
The agreement commits to maintaining the federal North Coast tanker ban in accordance with the proposed route of a new trans-provincial pipeline under a separate bilateral agreement between Ottawa and Alberta. Eby told reporters that the deal does not require B.C. to support any pipeline proposal from Alberta, though the province will fulfill its constitutional obligations in good faith. "This agreement doesn't require us to support any pipeline proposal from Alberta. We will not be going to court to fight a pipeline project," Eby said.
Carney is scheduled to hold a separate news conference in Calgary with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith later Thursday to provide updates on proposed new energy infrastructure.
