One of the major topics in Ottawa this week is whether a deal will be reached between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to create a new pipeline from Alberta to tidewater in northern BC.

Adding fuel to this discussion are multiple anonymously sourced national media reports claiming that the federal government and Alberta are “very close” to announcing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on this issue later this week.

When asked about this in Question Period by the Leader of the Official Opposition, PM Carney stated:

“The MOU that we are negotiating with Alberta creates necessary conditions, but not sufficient conditions, because we believe in co-operative federalism. We believe the government of B.C. has to agree. We believe that First Nations rights-holders in this country have to agree and support all stakeholders after that.”

This was a surprising statement from PM Carney, as it essentially suggests that the NDP provincial government in B.C. will hold a potential veto on this project, along with First Nations groups that have already expressed opposition.

Why is this surprising? Because during his Liberal leadership campaign in Kelowna last February, PM Carney stated: “Something that my government will do is use all of the powers of the federal government, including the emergency powers of the federal government, to accelerate the major projects that we need.”

At no time did Mr. Carney indicate that the constitutionally protected powers of the federal government would be abandoned in favour of granting a veto to those who have openly stated they oppose this project regardless of its terms.

The Leader of the Official Opposition, Hon. Pierre Poilievre, has made his position clear: “PM Carney wants to block the pipeline without taking the blame. So he’s handed Eby a pipeline veto that violates our constitution.”

In my view, PM Carney is entirely within his rights to oppose a new pipeline from Alberta to tidewater in northern B.C., much as his predecessor Justin Trudeau did. In Trudeau’s case, he was clear in his opposition to new pipelines and introduced regulatory roadblocks like Bill C-69 and Bill C-48 to effectively close the door on this issue.

PM Carney, in contrast, appears to be playing a dangerous game that could threaten national unity. By promising a different approach on pipelines to get elected and now, as Prime Minister, potentially agreeing to an MOU with one province while allowing another to veto it, he undermines the principle of federal leadership and the constitutionally protected powers of the federal government.

By pitting one province against another so that his government does not have to directly say “no” to a new pipeline, PM Carney raises serious concerns about national unity.

My question this week: Do you think PM Carney is handling this situation appropriately?

I can be reached directly  at [email protected] or toll-free at 1-800-665-8711. Alternatively, you can join the always lively discussion online on my Facebook Page. I look forward to seeing the responses!