Eby Defends Minister's Criticism on LNG Expansion, Citing 'Big Tent' Approach

British Columbia Premier David Eby says he helped his cabinet minister Kelly Greene write her statement denouncing plans for the expansion of a liquefied natural gas plant in her riding, despite the government's support for the project.

Eby defended Greene's criticism, saying it's okay to have disagreements within the cabinet. He stated that the government has a 'big tent' approach, allowing ministers to express their opinions freely.

The LNG expansion is a contentious issue, with concerns about safety and environmental impact. The project aims to increase production at the Tilbury LNG facility to meet rising demand at the Port of Vancouver and provide access to LNG fuelling for vessels crossing the Pacific.

Eby's decision to allow Greene to criticize the project has been seen as an attempt to address dissent within the NDP base, which has grown due to the party's support for the 'prosperity agreement' with Ottawa. This agreement includes a promise by the federal government not to remove the northern oil tanker ban and to accelerate construction of LNG projects.