At Issue Alberta pushes for a West-Coast pipeline
Oct 3, 2025
Chantal Hébert, a veteran political columnist with expertise in federal-provincial politics, joins Althia Raj, a political commentator focusing on party dynamics. They dive into Alberta's controversial west-coast pipeline proposal, discussing its political implications and potential conflicts with British Columbia. The conversation shifts to the NDP leadership race, exploring candidates' visions for revitalization and the party's identity struggles. Additionally, they analyze the Liberal government's strategy in establishing new agencies and the impact of leadership management styles.
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Federal Options Short Of Binary Decisions
- Mark Carney can use C-5 to carve out exemptions rather than make a binary decision on the tanker ban immediately.
- Althia Raj suggests the federal government may nudge Alberta with regulatory concessions in exchange for commitments on emissions.
History Warns Against Railroading Projects
- Forcing a pipeline onto a resistant province historically provoked strong backlash and political stalemate.
- Chantal Hébert recalls the Northern Gateway era as a cautionary example of railroading projects through provinces.
Federal Authority Versus Provincial Veto
- Federal governments have the right to decide projects that transcend provincial borders, but rhetoric implying provincial vetoes undermines federalism.
- Andrew Coyne urges lowering the temperature and affirming federal authority on national matters.