B.C.’s attorney general calls Alberta fuel-ban bill a ‘bluff’

VICTORIA — British Columbia’s attorney general is calling Alberta’s proposed fuel restriction law a “bluff” that will result in an immediate lawsuit from his province and likely lawsuits from oil companies.

David Eby says their experts have looked at the Alberta legislation tabled yesterday and conclude it’s unconstitutional and against the law.

He says he believes the legislation was intended to never be adopted, but if Premier Rachel Notley’s government does pass the law, then B.C. will immediately apply for an injunction.

Eby adds that he expects oil companies with contracts in B.C. will also be lining up at courthouses to challenge the Alberta law.

The proposed legislation and B.C.’s response are the latest moves in an escalating dispute over the $7.4 billion Trans Mountain pipeline expansion that runs from Edmonton to Burnaby, B.C.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says his province will join Alberta in the fight over the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion by introducing its own legislation on oil exports.

Eby also says B.C. is expecting to announce shortly that the government has filed a reference case to the courts to determine who has jurisdiction over the pipeline in the province.