WATCH: It appears the oil war between B.C. and Alberta is on. Hours after Alberta enacted its “turn off the taps” legislation, lawyers acting for BC filed for an injunction. Mary Griffin reports.
The high price of gas on the west coast, that is fueling a war of words over oil. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced on Wednesday that Bill 12, it’s “turn off the taps” legislation, is now law.
“This new government will stand up for and defend Alberta workers as we need to, now and in the future,” Kenney said in Edmonton.
The legislation gives that province’s energy minister the power to limit, or stop oil and gas exports to BC. And within hours, B.C. Attorney General David Eby said lawyers acting for B.C. filed papers to stop the Alberta government.
“They also filed an application that asked until the claim is resolved that the court suspend the operation of the bill. Or prohibit the minister from using the minister’s powers under the bill until the action is complete,” Eby said.
It all leaves British Columbians worried about the cost of living. Including those living in Langford, Premier John Horgan’s riding.
But Horgan said that the only way to reduce gas prices is to increase the amount shipped to B.C.
“What we’re focused on right now is the unacceptably high retail price for gasoline in the Lower Mainland. And that problem needs to resolved, and we all need to work on that together,” Horgan said.
Kenney said turning off the taps is unlikely but blames the B.C. government for high gas prices.
“Opposing the Trans Mountain pipeline hurts all Canadians, but British Columbians more than most,” Kenney said.
The hearing for B.C.’s injunction could be heard as early as May 7 in Calgary.
Mary Griffin
