A federal Conservative motion calling for a new pipeline to British Columbia’s coast was voted down in Parliament on Tuesday.
The non-binding motion from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was defeated 196-139.
Parts of the non-binding motion were borrowed from the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Ottawa and Alberta announced last month.
However, the Conservatives said their motion would override the oil tanker ban in B.C.’s northern waters, while the MOU said there would be an adjustment to the ban “if necessary.”
The Conservatives note there are divisions within the Liberal caucus around support for a new pipeline.
“It’s time for the Prime Minister and his Liberal caucus to declare their support for a pipeline to the Pacific in a recorded vote,” said a statement from the party.
On Tuesday morning, federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson called the motion a “cynical ploy” and a “cheap political stunt” aimed at fostering divisiveness.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said during question period Poilievre’s motion leaves out key parts of the MOU, including sections on the industrial carbon price, methane regulations and emissions targets.
“You have to eat the entire meal, not just the appetizer,” Carney said in French.
The MOU states Alberta is to submit an application to the federal Major Projects Office (MPO) to fast-track a pipeline by next July.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith had been lobbying for a new pipeline for months, but reports last month of the agreement with the federal government still came as a surprise to B.C. leaders, who were left out of the talks.
Premier David Eby opposes a new pipeline project and has said repealing the oil tanker ban is a non-starter for his government and for coastal First Nations.
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