Conservatives Push Pipeline Vote to Challenge Liberal Unity

Conservative MPs are set to initiate a debate and vote in the House of Commons on November 28 regarding the recent agreement between the federal government and the province of Alberta to construct a new oil pipeline on the West Coast. This motion, introduced by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, aims to highlight potential divisions within the Liberal caucus.

The proposed motion requests Members of Parliament to “take note” of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with Alberta on November 27 and to endorse the construction of “one or more pipelines” for the export of bitumen to Asian markets. Notably, the motion references the potential for an “appropriate adjustment” to the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, a move opposed by the British Columbia government and several Liberal MPs from the province.

During Monday’s question period, Poilievre remarked, “In the spirit of Christmas, I decided to take a great act of generosity and lift the words right out of the prime minister’s MOU in order to support a pipeline to the Pacific.” In response, Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson encouraged the Opposition leader to support the entire MOU, which has garnered backing from Conservative premiers across the country.

As of now, Liberal MPs have not publicly indicated their stance on the upcoming motion, expressing frustration at being compelled to take a position. Corey Hogan, one of two Liberal MPs representing Alberta, criticized the Conservatives for engaging in “political games” that could threaten the pipeline’s potential.

“This is a motion that is designed to provoke and to divide,” Hogan stated. Meanwhile, Sukh Dhaliwal, a Liberal MP from Surrey, B.C., urged all MPs to support the MOU, citing its potential to create economic opportunities for Albertans, British Columbians, and Indigenous communities.

The situation has already stirred controversy within the Liberal ranks. Former Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault has resigned from his cabinet position over the Alberta MOU, reflecting broader concerns among more progressive party members. Patrick Weiler, a Vancouver MP, described the deal as a “big setback” for climate policy. Another Liberal MP, Taleeb Noormohamed, stressed on social media that any project involving the Major Projects Office “MUST have B.C. and First Nations consent.”

As the vote approaches, the Government House Leader’s office has not confirmed whether the motion will be “whipped,” meaning that all Liberal MPs would be required to vote in line with the government. The vote is scheduled for approximately 18:30 Eastern Time.

This unfolding situation is indicative of the complex dynamics within Canadian politics, particularly concerning energy policy and its implications for regional relationships.