Fort St. John talks potential west coast pipeline with Alberta minister

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John councillors met with Alberta provincial Indigenous relations minister Rajan Sawhney about the proposed West Coast Oil Pipeline.

Lilia Hansen, Fort St. John mayor, said Sawhney met with council and staff on Wednesday, March 4th to have a “constructive discussion” on the project, which is a pipeline that would run from Alberta directly to the northern west coast of B.C.

This is to “strengthen Canada’s energy independence, increase global competitiveness and drive prosperity,” according to an Alberta government website.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between Alberta and the federal government regarding energy collaboration in November.

B.C. Premier David Eby has been up and down on the idea, suggesting he could support the project if tanker bans remain in place back in October, and then stating a refinery should be built in Canada to lessen dependence on Chinese and American oil refineries, rather than a pipeline, last month.

In a Facebook post, Hansen wrote Sawhney and her staff shared “why the government of Alberta views this project as both important and timely” in meetings this week.

“[Sawhney] outlined the province’s efforts to build relationships and begin early planning related to the proposal,” wrote Hansen. “Council was invited to offer our perspectives, including any considerations or concerns relating to pipelines in our region.”

She mentioned being part of early conversations regarding Fort St. John’s experiences and interests as part of early discussions was a “valuable opportunity.”

More details about the West Coast Oil Pipeline project are available on the government of Alberta’s website.