VICTORIA, B.C. — BC Green interim leader Jeremy Valeriote, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, has issued the following statement regarding the potential for a new oil pipeline in British Columbia:
“This week, the world marked a major victory in the global fight against climate change, as the UN’s International Court of Justice ruled that countries must prevent harm to the climate—or be required to provide compensation and other forms of restitution.”
“Meanwhile, some leaders in Canada still have tunnel vision when it comes to fossil fuel projects. Amid record-breaking wildfires, drought, and climate instability, talks of a new oil pipeline in BC are completely out of step with today’s global environmental and economic realities.”
“At the conclusion of the premier’s summer meeting in Ontario, Premier David Eby was hesitant to support Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s proposal for a new bitumen pipeline through BC. While we’re encouraged by that, the opposition shouldn’t rest solely on the fact that the project lacks a proponent.”
“The notion that massive, over-budget projects will rescue the economy is as outdated as fixating on fossil fuels over clean energy. Real value comes from projects that support people, the planet, and long-term prosperity. The cost of these pipelines to taxpayers often balloons far beyond their initial estimates—for example, the Trans Mountain Expansion Project went from $5 billion to $35 billion. The province can invest more wisely: in more clean energy and a stronger electrical grid, wildfire protection, and rural resilience.”
“Global investment in renewables is expanding exponentially. According to a recent report from New Economy Canada, the clean energy sector has grown 22% in each of the last four years, reaching nearly $3 trillion CAD in 2024 and outpacing oil and gas investments two-to-one. Demand is rising, costs are falling, and clean tech sectors—from solar and wind to batteries and EVs—are scaling fast. With energy security and trade dynamics evolving rapidly, BC is well-positioned to lead this transition.”
“Right now, this government lacks the vision to make this happen. Bill 15 weakened environmental oversight and Indigenous consultation at a time when B.C. is facing some of the worst natural disasters in its history. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Bill C-5 is doing the same. Coastal First Nations in B.C. have issued an open letter to the Prime Minister asking him to reject any new proposal for a crude oil pipeline to the northwest coast.”
“The province is moving ahead with LNG expansion while rural communities are left to manage the consequences of fracking, flaring, flooding, and fires. A resilient future means centering Indigenous leadership, protecting ecological and cultural values, and prioritizing community-led innovation over boom-and-bust development.”
“Now more than ever, British Columbians need bold leadership that doesn’t cave to status quo politics. A new crude oil pipeline isn’t just economically nonsensical—it’s irresponsible. We’re calling on the BC government to hold firm, stay focused on what matters to communities and leave dead-end projects in the past.”
-30-
Media contact
Ryan Hook
Press Secretary
BC Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | ryan.hook@leg.bc.ca