politics
B.C. premier discusses Alberta separatism and national projects
The premier said Alberta separatism remains an issue while B.C. advances multiple projects of national importance. The comments were made during an interview about federal attention and cross-province coordination.
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B.C. Premier David Eby said the possibility of an Alberta referendum on separatism has complicated efforts to coordinate policy across provinces. He made the remarks during an interview on The Current that aired Thursday. Eby stated that B.C. is advancing more projects designated as nationally important than any other province.
Project coordination and federal attention Those projects include mine expansions, LNG export terminals, and electric transmission lines. Eby said the projects represent billions of dollars in investment and require the same federal focus given to a proposed Alberta oil pipeline.
He added that any pipeline discussions would need B.C. at the table and that the province is not receiving equal attention at national negotiating tables.
Indigenous title and legislation Eby also addressed the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and related court rulings. He said the province is consulting with First Nations and other groups ahead of the fall legislative session. The premier said the goal is to demonstrate that the province can partner with First Nations on projects that create jobs and benefit communities.
A University of B.C. political science professor noted that a recently announced LNG export agreement with Germany may indicate increased federal engagement with the province.
