MNI: BC Signals It's Willing To Advance Alberta Oil Pipeline

British Columbia Premier David Eby on Wednesday suggested he's willing to support a pipeline transporting Alberta oil through his province if an investor emerges to build it, softening his past objections. 

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently told MNI the pipeline is her top pick for Prime Minister Mark Carney's list of nationally important projects for accelerated approval. (See: MNI INTERVIEW: Alberta Says BC Pipeline Must Be Fast-Tracked) Eby's energy minister told MNI last week the pipeline is a "social" rather than one profitable enough for a private builder. (See: MNI INTERVIEW: BC Minister Calls New Oil Line 'Social' Project)

Premier Eby told reporters “what I’ve encouraged the prime minister and Premier Smith to do about their project that they’re excited about is to identify a proponent, and to move forward with that if that is the direction that they’d like to go.” The premier of Quebec, a province that also in the past rejected an oil pipeline, also reiterated his more recent opinion that his government would review any east-west pipeline if an investor comes forward.