Energy Minister Tim Hodgson is brushing off questions over whether the Liberal government will repeal the tanker ban in B.C.'s northern waters, calling them "hypothetical" since Alberta has not formally submitted a pipeline proposal for consideration.

Speaking to reporters Friday afternoon in Montreal, Hodgson addressed Alberta's announcement that it plans to pitch a new bitumen pipeline to the northern coast of B.C. — a move that drew a sharp rebuke from B.C. Premier David Eby .

"What we've said is that if Alberta wants to be a proponent [and] they want to put the money forward to work as a proponent for a pipeline, that's their right to do," Hodgson said.

"When they bring it forward, like every other project, at that point we'll take a look at where they are and we'll evaluate it

See Full Page