OTTAWA — A Liberal MP and former cabinet minister has stated that the discussion surrounding the potential lifting of the oil tanker ban off British Columbia’s northern coast will likely be contentious. Karina Gould emphasized that the ban was implemented due to significant public demand and is crucial for protecting delicate ecosystems. Gould spoke to reporters as she entered the Liberals’ weekly caucus meeting. Her comments come amid ongoing negotiations between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith regarding energy policy. Smith is advocating for a new bitumen pipeline that would connect Alberta to British Columbia’s northwest coast, which would necessitate either lifting or creating an exemption to the federal moratorium on tanker traffic. “It was something we put in place because there was a huge public demand for it and it’s important for us to be able to ensure we’re protecting, you know, really delicate ecosystems, so I think this is an important conversation to be had,” Gould said. She added that any changes to the ban should involve a national dialogue, particularly with input from communities along B.C.’s coast. “Over the last 10 years, we’ve heard consistently from Canadians that this is something that matters and is important and is something that they want,” Gould noted, predicting that the conversation would be contentious. The oil tanker ban was legislated by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2019, following a commitment made during the 2015 election. The ban prohibits oil tanker traffic from Vancouver Island’s northernmost point along the B.C. mainland to the Canada-U.S. border with Alaska. In 2016, Trudeau also rejected the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline, which would have transported oil from Alberta to Kitimat, B.C. Carney is now attempting to establish a new relationship with Smith, with a memorandum of understanding expected to outline the terms of this new partnership. Carney indicated that discussions have been productive, stating that they are “going well” and an agreement is anticipated in the coming weeks. While Smith seeks to reverse several environmental policies she believes hinder oil and gas development, including the tanker ban, Carney’s government aims to secure commitments from Alberta to enhance its industrial carbon pricing and support a proposed carbon capture and storage project. Sam Blackett, a spokesperson for Smith, stated that Alberta is seeking the “removal, carve out or overhaul of several damaging laws,” including an agreement to work towards the approval of a bitumen pipeline to Asian markets. “We are currently in the final stages of this negotiation and will have more to say soon,” Blackett said. In response to inquiries, a spokesperson for Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson referred to previous comments where he described Alberta’s pipeline proposal as “hypothetical.” He stated that it would be evaluated based on the same criteria as other projects deemed in the national interest, which includes Indigenous participation and support from affected jurisdictions. Liberal MPs from British Columbia expressed skepticism about the federal government’s willingness to lift the tanker ban. B.C. Liberal MP Taleeb Noormohamed emphasized the need for Indigenous consent and support from impacted provinces. “My constituents believe very, very strongly in those two principles,” Noormohamed said. B.C. Premier David Eby has voiced his opposition to Alberta’s pipeline proposal, asserting that the federal government should uphold the tanker ban. His NDP government considers the ban essential for gaining support to develop the region’s liquefied natural gas sector. A coalition of coastal First Nations has also urged Carney to maintain the ban. Will Greaves, Liberal MP for Victoria, reported that his constituents are “skeptical” about Alberta’s proposal and any potential lifting of the ban. “People in my community are proud of the coast, proud of our coastal economy and committed to protecting it,” Greaves said. Calgary Liberal MP Cory Hogan stated he would need to see the complete picture of what Alberta and Ottawa are considering before expressing support for lifting the ban. “We need to make sure that we are pairing any economic action with environmental action,” Hogan said. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, who recently voted to support the Liberals’ budget, remarked that resistance to lifting the tanker ban in B.C. remains strong. “That’s not just barking up the wrong tree, that’s barking up the wrong forest. We’re immovable,” May stated.