Office of the Premier
Office of the Premier of Alberta
Alberta and British Columbia reach agreement on opening new markets
VANCOUVER – After officials worked through the night, Alberta Premier
Alison Redford and British Columbia Premier Christy Clark today
announced a framework agreement between the two provinces on moving
energy resources to new markets.
“Agreement on B.C.’s 5 conditions is a necessary first step before any
proposals can be considered for approval,” said Premier Christy Clark.
“It is the way we do business in B.C. and it works. By working together
with Alberta through these principles we can grow our economies, and
strengthen Canada’s economy overall.”
The framework will also see the Government of British Columbia endorse
Premier Redford’s Canadian Energy Strategy.
“A key part of our Building Alberta Plan is getting Alberta’s resources
to new markets at much fairer prices so we can keep funding the
programs Albertans told us matter most to them,” said Premier Alison
Redford. “Today’s agreement with B.C. is good news for Alberta, for
British Columbia and for all Canadians. I welcome Premier Clark’s
endorsement of the Canadian Energy Strategy and our shared commitment
to create jobs, long-term growth and position Canada as a true global
energy superpower. We look forward to continued constructive dialogue
with B.C.”
The governments of B.C. and Alberta agree that British Columbia’s
conditions are intended to ensure both the responsible production of
energy as well as its safe transport to new markets, giving projects
the social licence to proceed.
B.C.’s conditions 1-4 are designed to achieve both economic benefit and
risk mitigation on increased shipments through B.C. They mirror
Alberta’s legislated commitments on responsible energy production.
Alberta and B.C. agree that only through intensive environmental review
and protection, enhanced marine safeguards and First Nations support,
can projects proceed.
On condition five, Alberta agrees that B.C. has a right to negotiate
with industry on appropriate economic benefits. Both governments agree
it is not for the governments of Alberta and B.C. to negotiate these
benefits. Both provinces reaffirmed that Alberta’s royalties are not on
the table for negotiation.