Premier David Eby and Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a memorandum of understanding on July 30, 2026, to maintain the northern oil tanker ban [1, 2].

The agreement ensures that the prohibition on oil tankers in northern waters remains in place, addressing long-standing environmental concerns and fulfilling shared commitments between the province of British Columbia and the federal government [2].

The announcement took place in Vancouver, where the two leaders met to formalize the accord [2]. The move comes as a strategic effort to protect the coastline from potential oil spills and to align the region's shipping policies with environmental goals [2].

While some political analysts have described the deal as a major win, the agreement faces opposition from other political factions [1]. The BC Greens said they will not renew the accord, citing a history of stalled or undelivered commitments [3].

This memorandum serves as a formal bridge between provincial and federal jurisdictions, ensuring that the ban is not overturned by shifting political priorities in the short term [1, 2]. The deal solidifies the current administration's stance against the expansion of oil shipping in the north, even as other regional leaders explore different pipeline and transport options [2].

“Premier David Eby and Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a memorandum of understanding to maintain the northern oil tanker ban.”

This agreement reinforces the environmental alignment between the British Columbia government and the federal administration. By formalizing the tanker ban through a memorandum of understanding, the two governments are attempting to create a stable regulatory environment that resists pressure from oil-producing provinces. However, the refusal of the BC Greens to support the accord suggests that the deal may not have the broad consensus required for permanent legislative stability.