Eby urges pivot from oil pipeline to refinery talks after Maduro capture

British Columbia Premier David Eby said public funds considered for a new pipeline to B.C.'s coast would be better used to support a Canadian refinery, and his remarks followed the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

British Columbia Premier David Eby said Canada should shift from discussing a new oil pipeline to talking about building a domestic refinery. He argued that public money being considered for a pipeline to B.C.'s northern coast would be better spent supporting oil and gas products made in Canada. Eby's remarks came after the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and announced plans to take over Venezuela's oil industry. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the situation underlines the urgency of building a new pipeline to B.C.'s coast. Key points: - Eby said tax dollars considered for a pipeline to B.C.'s northern coast would be better used to support a Canadian refinery and domestic oil products. - Eby has repeatedly criticized Alberta's push for a pipeline that currently lacks a named proponent. - Alberta and the federal government signed a memorandum of understanding in November laying out a pathway for a pipeline and stating the pipeline needs to be privately owned. - Data from the Canada Energy Regulator showed the Trans Mountain pipeline between Alberta and B.C.'s coast averaged 82 percent utilization from June 2024 to June 2025. - The article reports that U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro after a military raid, and U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to encourage American companies to revitalize Venezuela's oil sector. - Eby described Maduro as "a tyrannical dictator" and made his remarks while announcing an upcoming trade mission to India. Summary: The comments refocus discussion on whether potential public investment should support pipeline infrastructure or domestic refining capacity in Canada. Undetermined at this time.