B.C.’S attorney general calls Alberta fuel-ban bill a ‘bluff’

British Columbia’s attorney general says Alberta’s proposed fuel restriction law is a politically motivated “bluff” that will result in an immediate lawsuit from his province and likely lawsuits from oil companies.

David Eby said government legal experts looked at the Alberta legislation tabled Monday and concluded it’s unconstitutional, against the law and designed to not be enacted.

“Clearly the legislation is a bluff,” Eby said Tuesday. “They don’t intend to use it. If they did try to use it we would be in court immediately seeking an injunction to stop them from using it, but we would probably have to get in line behind oil companies that would be concerned about contracts that they have with companies in B.C. to deliver product.”

Alberta’s proposed legislation and B.C.’S response are the latest manoeuvres in the escalating dispute over the $7.4-billion Trans Mountain pipeline expansion that runs from Edmonton to Burnaby, B.C. The federal and Alberta governments support the project, while B.C. opposes it, saying it is defending its coast from potentially catastrophic oil spills.

About 200 people have been arrested at a construction zone near the pipeline’s terminal site in Burnaby for allegedly breaking a court injunction keeping protesters away.

Indigenous leaders and local Vancouver area municipal politicians have also warned of increasing civil unrest as people from across Canada mount anti-pipeline protests.

Eby said he believes the Alberta legislation was intended to never be adopted, but if Alberta Premier Rachel Notley’s government does pass the law, B.C. will immediately launch court action.