British Columbia Premier David Eby has defended a cabinet minister’s public criticism of the expansion of the Tilbury liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility, saying his government’s “big tent” approach allows ministers to continue advocating for the concerns of their local communities even when they differ from the government’s broader policy direction.
The comments represent a notable departure from the traditional principle of cabinet solidarity, under which ministers are expected to publicly support collective government decisions after internal discussions have concluded.
Minister voices concerns over LNG expansion
Kelly Greene, British Columbia’s Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, recently issued a public statement expressing disappointment over FortisBC’s decision to move forward with the next phase of the Tilbury LNG project.
Greene, who represents the Richmond-Steveston riding, said residents in her community have consistently raised safety concerns about the facility, which is located near her constituency.
Although she acknowledged that some risks may be addressed through planned safety measures, Greene said the project still raises concerns about the possibility of a serious incident.
She also noted that her position on the project has remained unchanged since before she was elected to the provincial legislature.
Eby says disagreement is allowed
Speaking at an unrelated news conference, Premier Eby said he had worked directly with Greene in preparing her public statement and fully supported her ability to continue representing the concerns of her constituents.
He said Greene has long advocated on the issue and described his government as a “big tent” that can accommodate differing viewpoints within its ranks.
At the same time, Eby reaffirmed the government’s support for LNG development, arguing that expanding LNG infrastructure is an important part of strengthening British Columbia’s economy.
He said the ability to supply LNG fuel for the next generation of ships operating from the Port of Vancouver is essential to maintaining the port’s long-term competitiveness.
Political analysts see break from cabinet tradition
David Black, a political theory professor at Royal Roads University, said Greene’s public comments represent a clear break from the long-established convention of cabinet solidarity.
According to Black, cabinet ministers are generally expected to resolve disagreements privately before presenting a united public position.
He believes Eby’s decision to allow Greene to publicly oppose the project reflects broader political pressures within the governing New Democratic Party (NDP), where divisions have emerged over energy development.
Black pointed to recent controversy surrounding Eby’s statement that the province would not attempt to block another pipeline connecting Alberta to the West Coast, as well as the federal-provincial prosperity agreement supporting faster LNG development.
He suggested Greene’s position reflects concerns held by the environmental wing of the governing party, while Eby is attempting to balance competing priorities within the NDP.
Province accelerates Tilbury LNG expansion
The controversy comes as the British Columbia government moves ahead with measures intended to speed up the Tilbury LNG expansion.
The province recently issued an order-in-council exempting Phase 1B of the project from obtaining a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity under the Utilities Commission Act.
The exemption removes one regulatory step that would normally be required before expanding a public utility facility.
The government says the project will increase LNG production capacity to meet growing demand at the Port of Vancouver while expanding LNG refuelling services for vessels operating along the West Coast and across the Pacific.
Energy Minister Adrian Dix said bypassing the approval process will help accelerate investment, support approximately 1,100 construction jobs and generate an estimated CAD 260 million in tax revenue.
Despite the exemption, the project must still secure all remaining regulatory approvals and permits before construction can begin.
Construction is expected to start as early as the middle of next year, with commercial operations targeted for 2031.
Political divisions extend beyond the governing party
Internal disagreements are also surfacing within British Columbia’s opposition Conservative Party.
Following reports that party leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay and senior staff had advised some members to avoid using the term “First Nations” in favor of alternatives such as “Indian,” Conservative MLA Brennan Day publicly criticized what he described as “language policing.”
Day argued that the party should instead focus on issues such as the economy, healthcare and public safety.
Professor Black said Findlay is trying to walk a fine line in satisfying the more conservative members who supported her leadership but also trying to keep the caucus united with more moderate voices.
The changes highlight rising political problems for the two main parties as the debates on energy policy, environmental issues and economic development continue to affect British Columbia’s political landscape.
