John Horgan of the B.C. NDP and B.C. Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver signed the pact Tuesday to hang together and take on Premier Christy Clark.
The agreement and the signing ceremony made it clear that they’re gearing up for a fight with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as well.
In a legislature lobby that’s recently become known as the Hall of Honour, the two ebullient leaders signed the confidence-and-supply agreement, moments after Clark stated she plans to test the confidence of the legislature, despite being one seat short of a majority. The NDP-Green arrangement could well unseat Clark and her Liberal government in the near future.
The dramatic goings-on were broadcast live and drew dozens of people to watch provincial history in the making. But the national implications are becoming clear, as well. Early indications are that any prospective NDP government arising out of the pact is going to start a serious pipeline argument.
It was Weaver who drove the point home, by blasting Notley for her recent observation that the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project is a done deal, regardless of B.C. political developments.
She reiterated in Edmonton that the decision has been made by the federal government and the proposed expansion of the line to Burnaby from Alberta is in the best interests of Albertans and all Canadians, especially British Columbians.
“Quite honestly, the province of B.C. can’t grow solely on the basis of escalating housing prices in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. They need stronger economic growth and the reality is that in Interior B.C., they need the jobs that this pipeline will provide.”
Weaver landed on her observation with both feet, saying British Columbians are “sick and tired” of being told about the old economy and that Notley’s view was “classic fear-mongering.”
“For Ms. Notley to tell B.C. that somehow embracing the 20th century is the way for our future is not a good sign for her and her economy in Alberta. Frankly, I think she should get with the program and embrace the 21st century.”
Given that his choice for premier, Horgan, was standing right next to him and is a lifelong friend of Notley’s, it was a telling moment. Particularly since the friendship and the considerable crossover between the two provincial NDP outfits is being strained by the pipeline.
Although Notley said, “there are no legal tools available to the provinces,” Weaver said she should read the Constitution Act about First Nations rights.
He said there’s a lot that can be done “and rest assured, the B.C. Greens and B.C. NDP will work together on this.”
Horgan deflected on Notley’s observations, talking instead about the forest industry. But he’s been equally opposed to the pipeline.
Trudeau also chimed in Tuesday, saying at a Rome news conference that his government’s approval of the line was based on Canada’s best interests and won’t change even if the B.C. government does.
The agreement that binds the NDP and Greens explicitly promises a fight on the issue: “Immediately employ every tool available to the new government to stop the expansion of the Kinder Morgan pipeline, the seven-fold increase in tanker traffic … and the transportation of raw bitumen through our province.”
Clark endorsed the line after Ottawa approved it, saying the major marine-safety upgrades and the huge guaranteed payments to B.C. mean her five conditions for support were satisfied.
The NDP-Green agreement lists more than two dozen specific commitments, many of them more immediate and higher-profile than the pipeline proposal.
But the united opposition to the line could turn out to be the most significant item of all. B.C. Liberals have spent 16 years dealing with the federal government on a “get along with Ottawa at any cost” basis. Disagreements have been mostly private and minor.
Horgan opposes the pipeline, but has been circumspect about Notley’s position. Now he’s got a partner who is dismissing her in harsh terms.
If the NDP takes over, the “defend our coast” attitude is going to make for a big shift, and a big political brawl, conducted by a new government with a very narrow margin.
