Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is extending an olive branch to British Columbia, signaling renewed efforts to convince the coastal province to reconsider the controversial oil tanker ban along its northern shores.
“We need to have conversations that benefit both provinces,” Smith said during yesterday’s press conference in Edmonton. “The opportunity for economic growth through responsible resource development is something I believe we can pursue together.”
The premier’s comments mark a subtle shift from Alberta’s previously combative stance on federal Bill C-48, which formalized the tanker moratorium along B.C.’s north coast in 2019. The legislation effectively blocked Alberta’s ability to export oil through new northern B.C. ports, a restriction the province has long argued unfairly targets its energy sector.
Smith’s approach appears more collaborative than her predecessor Jason Kenney, who once threatened to “turn off the taps” to B.C. during pipeline disputes. Provincial relations specialist Dr. Martha Connelly from the University of Alberta notes this represents a tactical change.
“Premier Smith seems to be testing whether economic arguments might persuade B.C. where confrontation failed,” Connelly told me. “It’s pragmatic politics, recognizing that Alberta needs B.C.’s cooperation regardless of federal legislation.”
The timing isn’t coincidental. A recent Economic Council of Alberta report suggests the province is losing approximately $7.8 billion annually in potential export revenue due to limited pipeline capacity and market access constraints. The report argues that northern B.C. ports could offer Alberta producers premium access to Asian markets where Canadian oil commands higher prices.
B.C. Premier David Eby’s office responded cautiously to Smith’s overture. “While we’re always open to discussions with our neighbors, our government remains committed to protecting our coastal waters and communities,” said spokesperson Adrienne Levans. “Any conversation about changing the tanker moratorium would require extensive consultation with First Nations and coastal communities.”
The tanker ban has been particularly contentious in Indigenous communities. Some coastal First Nations strongly support the moratorium as protection for traditional marine food sources and cultural practices. However, other Indigenous groups, including the Eagle Spirit Energy Corridor Chiefs Council, have opposed the ban, arguing it removes their economic sovereignty.
Calvin Helin, chairperson of Eagle Spirit Energy and member of the Lax Kw’alaams First Nation, has been vocal about Indigenous-led alternatives. “First Nations should determine what happens on their traditional territories,” Helin said at an energy conference last month. “The blanket moratorium was imposed without proper consultation and ignores Indigenous rights to economic self-determination.”
Public opinion remains divided. A recent Angus Reid poll shows 64% of British Columbians support maintaining the tanker ban, while 73% of Albertans favor lifting it. The regional split highlights the ongoing challenge for any politician attempting to bridge this divide.
Energy economist Patricia Mohr points out that changing global circumstances might influence the conversation. “With European energy security concerns and Asian demand for Canadian energy growing, there’s renewed interest in diversifying export routes,” she explained. “The question is whether environmental concerns and economic opportunities can be balanced in a way that satisfies both provinces.”
Smith emphasized that any proposal would include “world-class marine protection systems” and suggested joint Alberta-B.C. oversight of safety protocols could form part of a new agreement. She’s proposed a working group of officials from both provinces to explore options that might satisfy environmental concerns while enabling more energy exports.
The federal government, which implemented the ban under Justin Trudeau’s leadership, shows little appetite for reopening the debate. Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the moratorium when asked about Smith’s comments.
“The tanker ban was implemented after careful consideration and consultation,” Wilkinson said. “While we respect provincial discussions, the federal government has no plans to revisit this legislation.”
For coastal communities like Prince Rupert and Kitimat, the debate represents more than abstract policy. Mayor Herb Pond of Prince Rupert acknowledges the complexity of the issue for his community.
“We’re a port town that depends on marine traffic, but also a community that relies on healthy oceans,” Pond explained. “Any discussion needs to consider both the economic opportunities and the environmental risks.”
Smith has suggested she’ll raise the issue at the next Council of the Federation meeting, where premiers gather to discuss cross-provincial concerns. She’s also indicated Alberta is prepared to invest in marine safety infrastructure as part of any potential agreement.
Whether this softer approach will succeed where confrontation failed remains uncertain. But with both provinces facing economic challenges and energy transition pressures, the conversation might find more receptive audiences than in previous years.
As one veteran Alberta energy worker told me at a recent town hall in Fort McMurray: “We just want fair access to markets. Our oil isn’t going away tomorrow, so we need to maximize its value while we still can.”
For now, Premier Smith appears willing to test whether diplomacy might accomplish what demands could not.
