Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): The federal Liberal government has announced its intention to vote against a Conservative motion advocating for Ottawa’s support of a major bitumen pipeline, capable of exporting up to one million barrels per day from Alberta to a deep-water port on the British Columbia coast. This decision has elicited strong reactions from Conservative MPs, particularly those representing Alberta interests.
The non-binding motion urges federal backing for new pipeline capacity to Asia and calls for adjustments to the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, while emphasizing the importance of respecting Indigenous communities’ consultations. Although the motion’s language aligns with certain aspects of the recent federal-Alberta memorandum of understanding (MOU), Liberal officials argue that it omits crucial commitments that Alberta has already agreed to, including industrial carbon pricing frameworks, Indigenous co-ownership structures, and mandatory engagement with the Government of British Columbia.
A senior government source stated that the motion “ignores critical elements” of the negotiated MOU and accused Conservatives of “demonstrating their intent to divide Canadians and an inability to get big things built,” amidst ongoing trade tensions with the United States.
Under the MOU, Alberta committed to negotiating a new industrial carbon-pricing regime with a floor of $130 per tonne by April 2026 and advancing the Pathways Project, which would be the world’s largest carbon capture, utilization, and storage initiative. In exchange, the federal government agreed to suspend clean-electricity regulations in Alberta, refrain from implementing the federal oil-and-gas emissions cap, and consider exemptions to the federal tanker moratorium if required.
Liberal MP Corey Hogan, representing Calgary, defended the government’s stance, characterizing the Conservative motion as “designed to provoke and to divide.” Hogan argued that forcing a binary vote risks undermining actual progress on the project. “If it’s a yes vote, it might appear that we don’t take seriously our requirement to consult with B.C. First Nations, and if it’s a no vote, it might appear that we’re not serious about the pipeline,” he said. His remarks sparked surprise and frustration among Conservative MPs, including those representing Alberta interests.
Michelle Rempel Garner, a long-time Conservative MP known for her advocacy on energy issues, reacted sharply, expressing her astonishment that a Calgary Liberal MP would oppose even a symbolic affirmation of support for Alberta’s energy sector. She argued that Hogan’s position “sends the wrong message to workers, investors, and communities who depend on responsible resource development.”
Conservative MP Dave MacKenzie echoed that sentiment, describing Hogan’s stance as “deeply disappointing.” MacKenzie stated that he “did not expect a Calgary representative to stand against a motion that simply asks Parliament to support a path forward for Alberta’s energy economy” and criticized the Liberals for “once again talking out of both sides of their mouth when it comes to pipelines.”
The vote is scheduled for Tuesday, with the Liberals expected to reject the motion, setting up yet another clash over Canada’s energy future.
