Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he would push ahead with the construction of a new oil pipeline from Alberta to the West Coast even if it faces objections from some First Nations. That position puts him at odds with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s insistence on broad consultation and consent for major energy projects.
The Liberal government rejected a Conservative motion in the House of Commons this week that called for explicit federal backing of a large oil pipeline to tidewater. Ministers said the proposal oversimplified complex negotiations with provinces and Indigenous nations and failed to reflect the government’s approach to reconciliation and major project development.
Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin said the motion ignored the full context of a recent Canada–Alberta memorandum of understanding, which links any future pipeline discussions to climate policy, clean-technology investment and Indigenous engagement. She described the Conservative proposal as “immature” and said it misrepresented how large infrastructure projects move forward in Canada.
Poilievre, by contrast, argued that Canada’s economic interests require decisive action on export infrastructure. He has said waiting for unanimous agreement among provinces, communities and Indigenous nations risks stalling projects indefinitely and limiting Canada’s ability to access overseas markets, particularly in Asia.
“We need a pipeline,” Poilievre said in recent remarks, framing the issue as one of national interest and economic competitiveness. He accused the Liberal government of using consultation as a pretext for delay and challenged it to clarify whether it supports new oil export infrastructure at all.
The Conservative motion — which was non-binding — called on Parliament to affirm support for one or more pipelines capable of exporting at least one million barrels per day of bitumen from a British Columbia port. It also referenced potential changes to the federal oil tanker moratorium on B.C.’s north coast, while stating that the duty to consult Indigenous Peoples must be respected.
The pipeline debate has long been shaped by Indigenous rights and environmental concerns. Previous projects, including the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline, were opposed by dozens of First Nations over risks to land, water and treaty rights. That project was ultimately cancelled, and Ottawa later enacted legislation banning oil tanker traffic along much of northern British Columbia’s coastline.
Legal experts and Indigenous leaders have repeatedly warned that proceeding with major resource projects without consent could trigger lengthy court challenges. Canadian law requires meaningful consultation with Indigenous nations whose rights may be affected by development, and court rulings have reinforced the federal government’s obligation to engage early and substantively.
The issue also carries political weight as Parliament edges closer to an election cycle. Reuters has reported that the Liberal government’s position has been strengthened by recent defections from the Conservative caucus, reducing opposition leverage on key votes and policy initiatives.
As energy security, export access and reconciliation continue to collide in national debate, Poilievre’s comments underscore a clear dividing line between the Conservatives’ approach to resource development and the Liberals’ emphasis on consultation and consent — a contrast likely to feature prominently in the months ahead.
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