Canada and British Columbia Sign Cooperative Prosperity Agreement on Energy, Trade, and Infrastructure

By Annie Koshy

Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Columbia Premier David Eby signed the Canada-British Columbia Cooperative Prosperity Agreement in Vancouver today, one of the most consequential federal-provincial economic deals signed in British Columbia in a generation.

On LNG, the federal government committed to accelerating permitting, financing, and construction of LNG Canada Phase 2, Ksi Lisims LNG, Cedar LNG, and Woodfibre LNG. These projects would substantially expand Canada’s export capacity at a moment when allied demand for reliable energy has never been higher. The G7 statement at Évian last month explicitly welcomed Canada’s potential to deliver significant additional energy capacity to global markets. This agreement is the domestic mechanism through which that potential begins to be realized.

A $500 million investment will expand the Red Chris Mine, increasing Canada’s annual copper production by more than 15 percent while reducing emissions by over 70 percent once operational. The North Coast Transmission Line receives $3.9 billion, projected to create $10 billion in new economic activity, reduce emissions by up to three million tonnes annually, and serve as the backbone of a clean energy corridor connecting British Columbia, the Yukon, and potentially Alberta.

On trade infrastructure, Roberts Bank Terminal upgrades will unlock over $100 billion in new trade capacity and add approximately $3 billion to Canada’s economy annually. The George Massey Tunnel replacement receives up to $3 billion for a modern eight-lane structure replacing the aging four-lane tunnel along Highway 99. The Ports of Prince Rupert and Stewart will be developed as critical minerals trade corridors in partnership with First Nations.

The environmental commitments are substantive. A new National Carbon Credit Framework will be established. A $250 million Whales Initiative will reinforce Southern Resident Killer Whale habitat protections along British Columbia’s coast. The federal North Coast tanker ban will be maintained in accordance with the proposed Alberta pipeline route, threading the needle between British Columbia’s environmental priorities and Alberta’s export ambitions.

All projects will be built in consultation and partnership with First Nations, with explicit commitments to co-ownership and economic benefits. The Team Canada Strong initiative will train up to 100,000 new Red Seal trades workers to build these projects. Over $630 million in affordable child care funding is also included.

The ambition is considerable. Implementation will define whether this agreement delivers on its historic framing.