Alberta and B.C. say they share common ground on Trans Mountain pipeline

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she and B.C. Premier David Eby share common ground on expanding the Trans Mountain pipeline, and Smith said Alberta will present a project proposal in June.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith met with B.C. Premier David Eby and Prime Minister Mark Carney on Parliament Hill as premiers gathered in Ottawa. Smith said Alberta and B.C. share "a lot of common ground" on energy issues including LNG development, electricity market integration and expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline. She pledged to keep Eby informed as Alberta develops a new pipeline proposal, and said Alberta will present its project in June. Eby described the meeting as very civil and "borderline friendly," while noting concerns about environmental risks and relations with First Nations. Key facts: - Danielle Smith said Alberta and B.C. share common ground on Trans Mountain pipeline expansion and other energy matters, and that she will keep B.C. informed as discussions continue. - Smith said Alberta plans to present a project proposal in June and indicated route details will be provided then, and she referenced consulting with First Nations and the importance of ownership stakes. - David Eby called the tone of the meeting civil and "borderline friendly," but said he is not negotiating the Alberta proposal and expressed concerns about environmental risks and impacts on relations with First Nations. - The meeting took place while premiers were gathered in a downtown Ottawa hotel; Prime Minister Mark Carney hosted a first ministers' dinner and was scheduled to meet the premiers again on Thursday. - Separately, Ottawa and Seoul signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at bringing South Korean auto manufacturing and investment to Canada, linked to South Korea's bid to build submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy. Summary: Premiers signalled a cooperative tone on energy issues, with Alberta and B.C. highlighting shared interests while differences remain over a new pipeline. Alberta plans to release a pipeline project proposal in June; Eby has said he will not enter negotiations on that proposal and has noted environmental and First Nations concerns. Meetings among premiers and a first ministers' dinner hosted by the prime minister were scheduled to continue the discussion. Undetermined at this time