The Pipeline Paradox

 Throughout my professional career, I have dedicated myself to safeguarding the coastline of British Columbia from oil tankers and advocating for decisive action against climate change. In 2025, I proudly ran as the Liberal candidate for North Island–Powell River, driven by my commitment to these causes and by my deep love for the place that I live. Since Prime Minister Mark Carney signed the Memorandum of Understanding with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith—an agreement that advances the possibility of  a pipeline to the west coast and the potential to increase emissions from the oil and gas sector—I have frequently been asked whether I still support this Liberal government.  My answer is: I do not want another pipeline to the coast of BC and tankers in Hecate Strait and I continue to support the Prime Minister. Here’s why:

1. Prior to the Trump era, I had the privilege of prioritizing environmental protection and climate action above all else. At that time, I rarely considered global security or international trade relations; my support depended almost exclusively on a government’s environmental stance. This was possible because Canada enjoyed robust trade and military ties with the United States. Today, that certainty has vanished and we can no longer afford to focus on single issues.  Canadians want to see the land, ocean, and climate protected but they also want a strong economy, affordable homes, and global security. It is not just the climate that is at risk, it is also our country, our way of life, and global security. Prime Minister Carney is delivering on all fronts.

   
   

   He is forging an economy that addresses today’s challenges while laying the foundation for a clean future. His approach integrates climate action into economic development through industrial pricing and other regulations while fostering investment in clean energy.  And while a pipeline that would result in increased emissions from the oil and gas sector goes against emissions math, national unity and regional challenges must be considered on the path to a net  zero future if we want to stop being shackled to the US.

   In a world where the United States increasingly uses tariffs and military threats to challenge the rule of law, the Prime Minister has demonstrated remarkable skill in navigating these shifting dynamics. Trudeau the elder famously said that living next to the US is like sleeping beside an elephant. Today, it feels more like surviving amid a stampede of angry elephants. Yet, Canada is more united, our economy remains strong, and we are increasingly becoming a credible leader on the world stage. This is all evidence that Carney’s leadership is essential for these turbulent times.

2. There is simply no viable alternative. Reviewing the positions of Pierre Poilievre and my MP, Aaron Gunn, reveals that under a CPC government, Canada would drift closer to Trump’s America, neglect our allies by refusing to send troops to Greenland, and restrict access to affordable EVs.

   
   

   The NDP are currently selecting a new leader, making it hard to fully understand how they would lead Canada through this unprecedented times. However none of the candidates paint a picture of the actions they would take to address trade and global insecurity. In fact, Avi Lewis goes so fas as to suggest Canada scale back military investment at a time when global stability is at its most fragile—a risky proposition given our vulnerability. While the outcome of the NDP leadership race may bring new ideas, at present, I do not see the depth of wisdom, expertise, or temperament needed to guide Canada through this storm.

3. The Liberal government offers the most robust climate plan among all major parties. The 2025 Budget reinforced the industrial carbon price and ramped up ambitions for methane regulations—two pivotal measures included in the MoU with Alberta, which Alberta had previously resisted. Environment and Climate Change Minister Julie Dabrusin faces a significant challenge in transforming these commitments into action, but the MoU is a breakthrough, opening the door for these critical conversations.

   
   

   During the Prime Minister’s recent trip to China, he declared that “EVs are the future,” reaffirming Canada’s commitment to electric vehicles. This suggests that other tools, such as the  EV mandate that ensures electric vehicles are available at car dealerships across the country, will remain in place. Furthermore, there are commitments to invest in clean technology and critical minerals, supported by targeted tax credits, positioning Canada at the forefront of the clean economy.

   
   

   In contrast, the CPC’s resistance to climate action threatens to undo the progress we have made. The industrial carbon price would be scrapped and climate policy abandoned. If these policies are dismantled, regaining them in the future will be an uphill battle. NDP leadership candidates Rob Ashton and Heather Macpherson do not prioritize climate action in their platforms, and while Avi Lewis promises jobs, he fails to commit to the policies necessary for real emissions reductions.  At best, the NDP’s climate vision remains ambiguous and does not demonstrate a willingness to tackle the regulatory challenges necessary to cut emissions.

   
   

I am not advocating for complacency or unchecked government power. We must continue to advocate for reducing emissions, getting to net zero by 2050, and holding this government to account. First Nations and BC residents should voice their views and position about any potential pipeline. And we must consider the context in which we are living and Mark Carney is governing, and how progressive policies—especially those focused on climate—can be further integrated into Canada’s domestic and foreign priorities. For example, will the Canada Homes program mandate heat pumps over natural gas? Will the Oil to Heat Pump Program receive expanded support for Canadians? Will the government accelerate efforts to launch more clean energy projects? Will Carney stand firm if Alberta seeks to weaken the industrial carbon price, despite their commitments in the MoU? The climate debate in Canada is now more nuanced than a simple yes or no to pipelines and in this increasingly complex world, a constructive, less polarized conversation is exactly what we need.

I do not want to see another pipeline to BC’s coast AND I continue to support Prime Minister Carney.  Sometimes we don’t get exactly what we want, but we get what we need.