(Ottawa, Canada) - Federal Conservatives are pressing Prime Minister Mark Carney to repeal British Columbia’s north coast oil tanker ban, linking their demand to a proposed rail-based export route through Prince Rupert.

The Canadian Press reports that Pierre Poilievre joined other opposition MPs in a letter to Carney ahead of second-reading consideration of a Conservative repeal bill this week.

The MPs cite Calgary-based Strathcona Resources’ proposal to move as much as 250,000 barrels of Canadian oil daily over existing rail lines for shipment across the Pacific. That figure describes a proposal, not an operating export route or approved capacity.

According to the report, the letter also leaves room to discuss amendments that would let the Prince Rupert plan proceed. The MPs argue the restrictions favour U.S. refiners by limiting Canada’s export options; that is their assessment.

A different federal commitment

The federal government’s July 2 agreement with British Columbia commits Ottawa to maintaining the north coast tanker ban. The opposition demand therefore seeks a change to the government’s stated policy.

No repeal, exemption or project approval is established by the reported letter. A proposed bill is not a change in the law.

Sources: The Canadian Press via CHAT News Today, October 26; Prime Minister’s Office, July 2 agreement announcement.

Editorial illustration of rail and marine oil-export planning on B.C.’s north coast; not a photograph of the proposed project or evidence that it is operating.