Enserva’s Provincial Spotlight Series provides an overview of the latest policy updates, regulatory changes, and industry-specific developments in our members’ operating areas. In this edition, we revisit British Columbia to explore topics pertinent to the energy services, supply, and manufacturing sector.
ICYMI: The previous issue, published on April 17, highlighted federal party platforms.
Political Insights
BC played a major role in shaping the results of the 2025 federal election. The province ended up split between the Conservatives (20 seats) and the Liberals (19 seats), while the NDP dropped from 13 to just 3 seats, and the Green Party kept 1 seat. These results mark a major shift, especially for the NDP, who lost 10 seats compared to 2021.
The Liberals made gains in Metro Vancouver, including flipping Burnaby Central from NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who resigned after losing his seat. They also picked up Port Moody–Coquitlam and South Surrey–White Rock, and held all of their Vancouver, North Shore, and Tri-Cities seats. Former Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson is now back in politics as a newly elected Liberal MP.
The Conservatives gained ground across the province, especially in the Interior and Northern BC. They flipped several ridings from both the NDP and the Liberals, including Skeena–Bulkley Valley, Richmond Centre–Marpole, and New Westminster–Burnaby–Maillardville, and won key battlegrounds. They also picked up three ridings on Vancouver Island.
Ellis Ross, a former Haisla Nation Chief Councillor and BC Liberal MLA, was elected as the Conservative MP for Skeena–Bulkley Valley. During the campaign, Ross spoke about fast-tracking projects and boosting economic growth in Northwest BC. His background in Indigenous leadership and experience in provincial politics make him a notable voice on energy and resource issues.
Final federal seat breakdown in BC (2025):
- Conservative: 20 seats (+7)
- Liberal: 19 seats (+4)
- NDP: 3 seats (–10)
- Green: 1 seat (unchanged)
What does this mean for the energy sector?
Prime Minister Mark Carney has promised to grow both clean and conventional energy. His campaign pledges included efforts to speed up project approvals, create federal energy corridors to develop natural resources, and establish a new office that would approve large projects within two years, instead of five.
However, many in BC’s energy sector are cautious. While Carney’s tone is more pro-development than previous Liberal governments, key policies like the proposed emissions cap, clean fuel regulations, and carbon pricing for large emitters are still in place. A recent survey from ATB Capital Markets showed that 73% of energy investors see a Liberal minority as negative for investment.
- Corporate Governance Regulations: In March, the provincial government will introduce updates that aim to modernize corporate governance regulations and simplify business reporting requirements. Key changes include streamlining annual report filings, digitizing business registration processes, and updating ESG disclosure requirements to align with evolving regulatory standards. According to the BC government’s announcement, these updates are intended to ensure consistency with broader regulatory trends.
- Liquified Natural Gas Expansion: BC’s LNG industry is entering a transformative phase, as its first shipments from Kitimat to Asia solidify Canada’s entry into the global LNG market. Gas for LNG Canada is transported via the Coastal GasLink pipeline, which was completed in late 2023 after facing years of opposition. The first phase of LNG Canada’s operations will produce approximately 14 million tonnes of LNG annually, with a potential second phase powered by hydroelectricity doubling production.
The Bottom Line:
Overall, the federal election results create both opportunities and uncertainty for BC’s energy and resource sectors. The province now has a strong presence from both major federal parties, and industry is watching to see what role they both play in regional and national energy debates and project development decisions.
A Win for Enserva Members
Reducing Red Tape: Enserva Advocacy Success on BC First Aid Transportation Endorsement
In response to member concerns about the logistical and regulatory challenges around obtaining the B.C. First Aid Transportation Endorsement, Enserva is pleased to announce a major advocacy win. After ongoing engagement with WorkSafeBC (WSBC), Enserva has successfully secured approval for a WSBC-certified trainer to deliver this essential training in Grande Prairie. This milestone reduces travel time and costs, addresses the current training backlog, and contributes to lower environmental impact. Most importantly, it helps our members in northeast B.C. meet regulatory requirements more efficiently. We are optimistic that this new partnership with WorkSafeBC will continue to bring tangible benefits to our members as we work collaboratively to resolve ongoing issues.