US-Canada Trade War Threat Revives Northern Gateway Pipeline Debate
The looming threat of a trade war between Canada and the United States has reignited discussion of the long-dormant Northern Gateway pipeline project, with a prominent Indigenous leader now expressing conditional support.
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, said Tuesday he would consider supporting the pipeline, which would carry Alberta bitumen to British Columbia’s North Coast for export.
The project was effectively shelved in 2016 after the federal government imposed a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic off the B.C. coast.
Phillip cited concerns over potential U.S. trade actions as a key factor in his shift. “We’re staring into the abyss of uncertainty” due to climate change and potential trade actions from the U.S., he said at a gathering of B.C. officials and First Nations leaders.
His comments follow Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s recent calls for increased Canadian pipeline construction in response to the possibility of U.S. tariffs. Smith told reporters Tuesday the trade threats underscore the need to diversify Canada’s energy export markets. Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has also referenced the pipeline debate.
The project had previously faced significant opposition, including from Indigenous groups that argued they were not adequately consulted. A federal court ruling reversed its initial approval.
Enbridge, the company originally behind Northern Gateway, said it has “no plans” to revive the project, focusing instead on existing infrastructure. Federal Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson downplayed the idea, saying pipeline construction timelines are much longer than current political cycles.
B.C. Premier David Eby emphasized the importance of Indigenous consultation should any pipeline project move forward.
The Newly sworn-in President Trump has been emphasizing throughout his presidential campaign that his administration would push for balanced trade with Canada, even if it means using tariffs to push Canada into buying more from the United States.