Eby Flags Alberta Separation Debate Amid Economic Push

Alberta Separatism Looms Over National Talks

B.C. Premier David Eby says Alberta’s growing separatist movement has become the “elephant in the room” as Canada works to strengthen its economy during a critical period.

Speaking during an interview on CBC’s The Current, Eby said the country faces a difficult contradiction. On one hand, governments want to remove barriers between provinces and improve economic co-operation. On the other, Alberta continues to discuss the possibility of leaving Canada.

According to Eby, those two conversations pull the country in opposite directions at a time when unity matters most.

Economic Growth Remains a Top Priority

Despite the political tension, Eby said British Columbia remains focused on helping Canada’s economy grow, especially as the country deals with ongoing trade pressure from the United States.

He stressed that B.C. continues to support projects that create jobs, attract investment and strengthen Canada’s long-term economic future.

“We see our role as helping Canadians succeed together,” Eby said.

At the same time, he suggested that national attention often fades west of the Rocky Mountains, leaving many important B.C. initiatives overlooked.

B.C. Wants Equal Attention From Ottawa

For months, Eby has argued that British Columbia deserves the same level of federal support that Alberta receives.

The premier pointed to several major projects already underway across B.C., including mining expansions, liquefied natural gas export facilities and electricity transmission developments. Together, these projects represent billions of dollars in investment and thousands of potential jobs.

Eby questioned why a proposed Alberta oil pipeline continues to attract significant attention despite lacking a finalized route, a private-sector developer or a confirmed business case.

In contrast, he said many B.C. projects are already moving forward and could deliver economic benefits sooner.

Pipeline Debate Fuels Provincial Tensions

The discussion comes as Eby and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith remain at odds over the possibility of a new oil pipeline reaching British Columbia’s coast.

Eby warned that uncertainty surrounding the pipeline proposal could create challenges for other resource and infrastructure projects that are already progressing through development stages.

While both provinces support economic growth, they continue to disagree on how that growth should be achieved.

Indigenous Rights Continue to Challenge Government

Beyond economic issues, Eby described Indigenous rights and land-title questions as some of the most complex matters he has faced as premier.

Debate surrounding British Columbia’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act has sparked strong opinions across the province. In addition, court decisions involving Indigenous title claims have raised concerns among some property owners.

Earlier efforts to amend the legislation faced opposition from First Nations leaders as well as members of Eby’s own party. As a result, the provincial government stepped back and launched broader consultations.

Focus Turns to Collaboration

Looking ahead, Eby said he wants British Columbia to build stronger partnerships with First Nations while advancing projects that benefit communities across the province.

He believes economic development and Indigenous reconciliation can move forward together. Through continued consultation and collaboration, the province hopes to create jobs, attract investment and support long-term prosperity.

As Canada navigates economic uncertainty and political divisions, Eby says co-operation between governments will play a key role in shaping the country’s future.