Bill passes to fast-track transmission line in northern B.C.

A B.C. bill to fast-track construction of a multibillion-dollar power transmission line that would double the amount of electricity flowing from Prince George to Terrace passed third reading in the provincial legislature Thursday.

The North Coast Transmission Line, a project Premier David Eby staked his government over, is meant to increase electricity in the province’s north, to power critical mineral projects and LNG terminals.

Bill 31, or the Energy Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, passed with support of the B.C. NDP’s one-seat majority in the legislature despite Official Opposition attempts to stall it and the B.C. Green Party’s desire to amend it.

“New transmission infrastructure is required to unlock new, clean economic growth,” the government said when the line was announced as one of 18 priority projects envisioned to expand the province’s electricity grid and diversify the economy.

It’s a core part of Eby’s Look West jobs strategy announced earlier this week.

The North Coast Transmission Line is also among the major projects that Prime Minister Mark Carney said will be reviewed for fast-track permitting and approval.

It’s estimated the line will cost $6 billion. The Canada Infrastructure Bank is to loan B.C. Hydro $140 million for the project.

“The North Coast Transmission Line is key to powering B.C.’s next generation of industrial development, and we’re proud to advance it in partnership with First Nations and the province,” said Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO of B.C. Hydro in an October release.

WATCH | Why there’s a push to fast track the power line:

Why politicians are so amped up about these B.C. power lines

From the prime minister to the premier, there’s a major political push to fast-track the construction of B.C.’s North Coast Transmission Line. The CBC’s Lyndsay Duncombe breaks down the power line hype and why the province could be on the hook for a big chunk of its $6 billon price tag.

As the bill passed through the legislature, the B.C. Conservatives tried unsuccessfully to delay it by presenting a hoist motion, which would have slowed the bill’s progress by at least six months.

Leader John Rustad had argued the government does not need the legislation to build the North Coast Transmission Line and questioned whether B.C. has the electrical capacity to power it.

“The NDP finally said the quiet part out loud: they’ll cheer a transmission line but block every project it’s supposed to power,” he said in a post on X on Thursday.

Greens demand transparency

The B.C. Green Party’s two MLAs, Jeremy Valeriote and Rob Botterell had supported the bill up to third reading in hopes of amending it to “improve transparency and accountability [and] allow for open, clear criteria for allocation of electricity by a public utility.”

When that failed, the Greens voted against the bill.

“The B.C. Greens want British Columbians to access this province’s clean energy advantage,” said Valeriote in a release. “However, the premier and minister have made it clear that the North Coast Transmission Line is being advanced primarily as a public subsidy for LNG projects, rather than as a long-term investment in B.C.’s clean energy future.”

The Greens also complained that First Nations along the proposed line have not been properly engaged or consulted and were offered a “take it or leave it” proposition for a project the government is intent on pushing through.

“With Bill 31 passed, now the government can use its discretion — with influence from lobbyists or industry pressures — on the decisions of who gets power and who doesn’t without any independent oversight,” said Valeriote.

Some nations, such as the Nisga’a Nation, and economic bodies associated with them, like K’uul Power, have spoken in support of the project.