BC Conservatives fail to delay North Coast Transmission Line, which will create 10,000 jobs
This afternoon, the BC Conservatives failed to delay legislation that would allow construction of the North Coast Transmission Line to begin in the summer of 2026.
The BC Conservatives proposed a hoist motion to delay the legislation by six months. The motion was defeated 48 to 40.
John Rustad has said he’s against the project: “With regards to the northwest transmission line, the power line from the northeast and northwest, yeah, I do oppose it.” (Hansard, May 28 2025) Rustad recently said the project is a “waste of taxpayers’ money…there’s no need for building this power line.” (CBC, Oct 10 2025)
The North Coast Transmission Line will bring electricity to the Northwest, supporting projects that will generate 10,000 new jobs and $10 billion in GDP, such as:
- Red Chris Mine expansion: 500 permanent jobs
- Cedar LNG: 500 jobs during construction, 100 permanent jobs
- Ksi Lisims LNG: 800 jobs during construction, 250 permanent jobs
- Eskay Creek: 800 construction jobs, 400 permanent jobs
- Galore Creek: 4,500 construction jobs, 1,200 permanent jobs
Energy Minister Adrian Dix said during debate on the hoist motion:
“There is urgency now. The Leader of the Opposition says our economy needs urgent action. And then he puts forward on a critical project, a national project, one that will unlock jobs, a six month delay. You bet I’m against it. Talk about saying one thing and doing another. Saying you’re in favour of action, and then proposing motions like this, which is a six month delay.” (Hansard Video)
“They have made their position clear and on the record. They are against improving electricity service to the Northwest. They oppose it. And this is another means of opposing it. They want to delay it. They think their citizens should wait longer.” (Hansard Video)
“We do not support a six month delay. Because we believe people in the Northwest deserve action. That there is unprecedented economic opportunity in the Northwest of BC, and we need to take action. We think at this time when our market is being threatened by the President of the United States and other jurisdictions, that we need to take action to ensure that our critical minerals can get to other markets. We want action, they want delay. We support major projects of national interest, and they oppose them.” (Hansard Video)
Bill 31 remains in front of the legislature.