The Government of Saskatchewan is in support of a federal Conservatives bill that would end a tanker ban on B.C. northern coast. In a media release, the province says lifting the ban “would increase opportunities for Western Canadian energy to reach global markets and drive economic growth in Saskatchewan and Canada.” The existing law, the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, prevents tankers from carrying more than 12,500 metric tonnes of crude oil along the northern coast of British Columbia. Bill C-264, sponsored by Calgary MP David McKenzie, would scrap that entirely. “Every new export opportunity helps strengthen Canada’s economy,” said Premier Scott Moe. “Greater egress capacity means more jobs, more investment, better prices for Western Canadian oil, and more revenue to support the services that Canadians rely on.” The provincial government says removing the tanker ban could attract investment and provide revenue for Saskatchewan residents. “In a rapidly evolving global economy, countries are increasingly seeking stable, reliable suppliers of energy. Canada is well positioned to help meet this growing demand, but greater export capacity will be required,” the release stated. Prime Minister Mark Carney and B.C. Premier David Eby signed an agreement in July to keep the tanker ban in place. This past weekend Eby’s NDP was soundly defeated in the provincial election, with the B.C. Conservatives claiming a majority government.
