BC Conservatives fail to block North Coast Transmission Line, a key component of Look West jobs plan
VICTORIA – Legislation to fast-track construction of the North Coast Transmission Line passed third reading this evening, overcoming BC Conservative attempts to block the project.
The North Coast Transmission Line is an essential component of David Eby’s Look West jobs strategy announced earlier this week.
Earlier this session, the BC Conservatives tried and failed to delay the project by six months. BC Conservative Leader John Rustad has said he’s against the project: “With regards to the northwest transmission line, the power line from the northeast and northwest, I do oppose it.”
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:
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Red Chris Mine expansion: 500 permanent jobs
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Cedar LNG: 500 jobs during construction, 100 permanent jobs
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Ksi Lisims LNG: 800 jobs during construction, 250 permanent jobs
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Eskay Creek: 800 construction jobs, 400 permanent jobs
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Galore Creek: 4,500 construction jobs, 1,200 permanent jobs
Bill 31, the Energy Statutes Amendment Act, allows First Nations partners to have an equity stake and accelerates the project, putting it on track to begin construction in summer 2026.
Adrian Dix, BC NDP Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions:
“The North Coast Transmission Line is a nation-building project that is urgently needed to deliver clean energy to unlock 10,000 jobs as part of the Look West jobs strategy. The BC Conservatives have tried and failed to block this essential component of our jobs plan. We’re going to get this built as fast as possible to accelerate other projects and create thousands of good-paying jobs for British Columbians.”
Ravi Kahlon, BC NDP Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth:
“Our Look West jobs strategy will make BC the economic engine of Canada and create good-paying jobs across our province. It’s incredibly disappointing to see the BC Conservatives opposing that plan. We can’t afford to go backwards to a BC Conservative government that blocks progress and refuses to make the investments needed to build a brighter future for British Columbians.”