B.C. Premier John Horgan said he won’t escalate trade dispute with Alberta over pipeline

Premier John Horgan said he doesn’t intend to respond to any provocation from Alberta in the escalating trade dispute over the Trans Mountain pipeline.

British Columbia Premier John Horgan says he won’t be distracted from his agenda while the government of Alberta retaliates over the Trans Mountain Pipeline with a wine boycott.

On Wednesday, Horgan responded to Alberta Premier Rachel Notely’s announcement that her province would ban wine imports from B.C. The move will be effective immediately.

In response, Horgan said he doesn’t intend to respond to any provocation from Alberta.

“I have had discussions with the prime minister. I have had discussions with the premier of Alberta and have made it clear to both of them that the interests of British Columbia are my responsibility,” Horgan said.

“I take that very seriously and I will be resolute in protecting the interests of this great province. Nor will I be distracted by the events that are taking place in other jurisdictions.”

The B.C. government is looking at restricting the expansion of bitumen through the province until it’s satisfied a spill can be cleaned up, which was countered by the threat of a lawsuit from Alberta along with a ban on B.C. wine imports.

Horgan says officials from Ottawa will meet with deputy ministers from the B.C. government on Thursday to clarify the province’s rights over the jurisdictional dispute.

Meanwhile, the head of Kinder Morgan Canada says the federal government needs to step into a growing trade dispute between Alberta and B.C. over oil exports.

Ian Anderson says he appreciates the strong support Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has shown for the company’s Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project.

But he says he expects the federal government to help solve the spat between the provinces.

Trudeau refused to publicly wade into the dispute on Wednesday but said talks continue behind closed doors with the provinces.

Editorial Policies Report an Error