Attorney General David Eby says the B.C. government has filed a statement of claim in Alberta’s Court of Queen’s Bench. (Chad Hipolito/Canadian Press) Photo Courtesy of CBC.
The provincial government has filed a lawsuit against Alberta challenging the constitutionality of new legislation that allows the neighbouring province to reduce oil and gas shipments to B.C.
B.C. Attorney General David Eby said Tuesday that the B.C. government has filed a statement of claim in Alberta’s Court of Queen’s Bench. The claim challenges the constitutionality of Alberta’s Preserving Canada’s Economic Prosperity Act (Bill 12). Alberta passed the legislation last week.
The statement of claim says Alberta’s law is unconstitutional because it is intended to punish B.C. by limiting exports of fuel products.
Eby said would be “reckless” and highly unlikely Alberta will use powers it granted to itself in Bill 12. But if they did use it, B.C. prepared to immediately file an injunction.
B.C. government’s statement of claim
Tuesday’s announcement was the latest mood in the two province’s feud over the Trans Mountain pipeline project from Alberta to the West Coast. Pipeline company Kinder Morgan has ceased all non-essential spending on the project until it receives assurances it can proceed without delays, setting a May 31 deadline for those guarantees.
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley bowed out of a Western premier’s meeting this week saying she didn’t think she could politely discuss pharmacare when one of the other premiers is trying to “choke the economic lifeblood” out of her province.
With files from The Canadian Press
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