David Eby: B.C. finally getting fair share through new prosperity partnership

Opinion: The Canada-British Columbia cooperative prosperity agreement means billions of dollars for major projects, infrastructure, jobs and public services. B.C. is finally getting the recognition we’ve long been due.

As Canadians watched our soccer team compete on the world stage, we saw something familiar: success comes from recognizing each player’s strengths and working together. Canada may be out of the World Cup, but the lesson endures. The same principle applies to our economy.

B.C. has long been one of Canada’s strongest economic engines, powering growth through our ports, natural resources, skilled workforce and role as the country’s gateway to the Asia Pacific. But, for generations, we’ve been an afterthought for federal governments. That ends now.

With the newly announced Canada-British Columbia co-operative prosperity agreement, B.C. is finally getting its fair share. This landmark deal will create generations of prosperity for B.C. With billions of dollars for major projects, infrastructure, jobs and public services, we are getting the recognition we’ve long been due. Investment in the Red Chris mine expansion will strengthen Canada’s position as a reliable supplier of critical minerals, creating 1,800 jobs during construction and protecting the existing 1,500 permanent jobs.

Funding for the North Coast transmission line will power future industrial development with clean electricity. A significant contribution to the Massey Tunnel replacement will improve one of the province’s most important transportation corridors. Beyond those projects, the agreement advances commitments to strengthen child care and workforce training, and to improve port infrastructure — bringing more Canadian products to global markets.

These aren’t simply construction projects. They’re nation-building projects. They will create good-paying jobs, strengthen supply chains and position Canada to compete in a changing global economy.

They also support B.C.’s Look West strategy, which identifies more than $88 billion in proposed major projects. These opportunities matter to B.C. and Canada. Countries are looking for trusted suppliers of energy, critical minerals and natural resources.

Trade tensions continue to rise. In that environment, B.C.’s advantages become Canada’s advantages. Just as importantly, this deal reflects a distinctly British Columbian understanding that economic development and environmental protection aren’t mutually exclusive.

British Columbians know our economy depends on healthy watersheds, protected coastlines and responsible development. That’s why the agreement’s commitment to maintaining the North Coast tanker ban is so important. The agreement also recognizes an important principle when it comes to future pipeline decisions.

We know from experience that we can’t stop the federal government from imposing a pipeline. We also know that B.C. shouldn’t be asked to bear environmental risks without fair compensation, so we pushed for vital concessions and protections. When Alberta first proposed a pipeline, we sent a clear message on two things: that scrapping the tanker ban was a non-starter, and that B.C. also deserved a good agreement of its own from the federal government.

We fought for the interests of British Columbians. The B.C. Conservatives took a different approach. They called for us to surrender on the tanker ban and to do whatever Alberta told us to do.

If we had taken that approach, B.C. would have missed out on the billions for priority projects. We would have sacrificed our own interests in the Northwest coastal economy. British Columbians deserve results.

That requires strength and teamwork. The best sports teams understand that every player has a role. The same is true for Canada.

B.C. has unique strengths to offer the country and that’s finally being noticed. David Eby is premier of B.C.