Deputy premier Sharma says B.C. needs to be “respected” by Ottawa, other provinces

By Canadian Press on November 25, 2025.

VICTORIA — British Columbia’s deputy premier says the province continues to follow a Team Canada approach, but it also needs to be “respected as a province” amid growing tensions among Western premiers.

Media reports say the federal government is expected to announce a memorandum of understanding with Alberta this week that could include a pipeline to B.C.’s northern coast, but Niki Sharma says the province has yet to see what is in the document.

Sharma says any agreement must see governments “abide” by their constitutional obligations to First Nations, adding that the public should “stay tuned” when asked whether B.C. would launch its own court challenge.

Sharma, who’s also the attorney general, says the provincial government wants to work together with Ottawa and other provinces, but the “viewpoints” of B.C. also need to be respected.

Premier David Eby said Monday that it was “unacceptable” for Ottawa to be negotiating with Alberta and Saskatchewan about the proposed pipeline without input from B.C.

Eby also said that Premier Scott Moe didn’t talk to him about challenges by Saskatchewan-based Nutrien to ship its potash to global markets after it announced it would be shipping its product through Washington State, bypassing B.C.

The decision “seems like the worst of both worlds” by exposing Saskatchewan’s resources to the “whims” of U.S. President Donald Trump, and denying British Columbia a chance to expand its port capacity, Eby said.

The premier said Moe’s “alleged” involvement with the MOU between Alberta and Ottawa was “just the cherry on top.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 25, 2025.

Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press