B.C. premier cracks MOU Christmas joke ahead of premiers meeting with PM

B.C. Premier David Eby discusses the province’s progress on major projects, including lower cost of living, access to family doctors, and the economy.

B.C.’s premier cracked a Christmas joke aimed at the federal government’s MOU with Alberta, the day before all premiers are set to meet with the prime minister virtually.

David Eby opened a news conference Wednesday by referring to an “exciting time” at the Eby household, just days ahead of Christmas.

“The kids have all these ideas about really expensive and practical gifts that are just never going to happen,” he said. “But they’ve been watching the news, and they think they have a loophole. They’ve suggested that they enter into an MOU with Santa to be able to achieve what they’re looking for.”

Eby has been critical of the MOU, and previously said it was “unacceptable” his province was excluded from talks.

The premier told reporters Wednesday he hasn’t spoken further with Alberta or Ottawa about the MOU, but is working to get a date in the new year “to sit down at the table together” and look to “find some common ground.”

Eby says he will share his opinion on the MOU at that future meeting “and the fact that obviously British Columbia wasn’t at the table, and the issues the agreement raises with us, especially around methane regulations.”

When CTV News asked if Eby plans to raise the MOU during Thursday’s first ministers meeting, his office only said he “looks forward to discussing B.C.’s leadership role in Major Projects.”

Eby told reporters he had a “productive discussion” with the Major Projects office in a meeting Wednesday, and believes B.C. is well positioned “to be the economic engine” of Canada’s economy going forward.

Eby also plans to ask Ottawa “to live up to their previous commitments to invest in flood mitigations infrastructure for the Fraser Valley,” and discuss “goods moving corridors” including chokepoints in the rail system.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s virtual meeting with premiers Thursday is his first since last month, which was held before Carney signed the MOU with Alberta that sets the stage for a potential new oil pipeline to the west coast.

The Prime Minister’s Office tells CTV News Thursday’s agenda will focus on international trade (including the United States, but also free trade agreements more broadly), the domestic economy and the Building Communities Strong Fund.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s office did not respond to a request for comment on Eby’s mention of a meeting in the new year, but did share her expectations ahead of Thursday’s meeting with the Prime Minister.

A spokesperson for the premier says Smith will be looking for updates on trade discussions with the United States, as well as with China and India, especially around removing agriculture tariffs.

Smith plans to “emphasize the need to ensure Canada’s immigration system supports provincial economic priorities,” and wants to focus on “advancing major projects and building infrastructure to enable Canadian products to reach international markets in all directions.”

Meanwhile, the PMO says Ontario Premier Doug Ford will be the only premier to attend Thursday’s meeting in person, due to his plans to be in Ottawa separate from the first ministers meeting.

Ford said Wednesday his focus will be making sure there’s economic certainty, in the face of dealing with U.S. President Donald Trump.

“We have to focus on diversifying our trade with other countries, which we’re doing. The prime minister is doing a great job talking to other leaders around the world, making deals with other leaders,” Ford said.

His office added on background Ontario would also like to see the federal government move forward on defence procurement, and see more Ontario steel used to build things like pipelines, critical infrastructure, ships and other military equipment.

With files from CTV News’ senior political correspondent Mike Le Couteur, and CTV News’ Queen’s Park bureau chief Siobhan Morris