British Columbia’s NDP government, under Premier David Eby, has ordered a covert campaign to block Alberta’s proposed Northern oil pipeline, according to an internal briefing note dated October 16, 2025.
The document instructed ministers to “mount the counter case” using experts, opponents, and adverse-impact studies, even as Eby publicly maintained there was “no proponent, no route, no project” to oppose.
The directive reveals a stark contrast between BC’s public stance and private strategy, targeting a project critical to Alberta’s energy ambitions led by Premier Danielle Smith. The pipeline, intended to expand Alberta’s oil export capacity, has emerged as a flashpoint in interprovincial relations. Alberta officials have yet to respond formally, but the briefing note suggests BC is mobilizing resources to challenge the project’s environmental and economic viability before it gains traction.
This behind-the-scenes opposition adds a layer of complexity to an already contentious energy landscape in Western Canada. Tensions over projects like the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion have long strained ties between the two provinces, with Alberta advocating for resource development and BC often prioritizing environmental concerns. The Northern pipeline, though still in early planning, is seen as a potential lifeline for Alberta’s oil sector amid global demand shifts.
Eby’s administration appears to be leveraging a network of studies and expert opinions to build its case, as outlined in the leaked document. Sources indicate the campaign aims to influence public and regulatory opinion by highlighting potential ecological risks and economic drawbacks. This approach could delay or derail the project before a formal proponent or route is even finalized.
Alberta’s energy sector, which accounts for a substantial portion of Canada’s GDP, faces renewed uncertainty with this development. The province exported over $100 billion in oil and gas products in 2025, and any hindrance to infrastructure growth could impact investment and jobs. Smith has previously signaled a hardline stance on protecting Alberta’s interests, setting the stage for a potential clash.
The briefing note’s emergence on April 2, 2026, marks a critical juncture for the pipeline’s future. With BC’s opposition now public, the project’s timeline could face setbacks as early as the next regulatory review cycle in mid-2026.
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