Kenney now says he won’t ‘turn off the taps’ to B.C., yet

EDMONTON – Despite promises to “turn off the taps” to B.C., Alberta’s new premier has confirmed his government will pursue a more diplomatic route first.

Jason Kenney was sworn in Tuesday morning. The United Conservative leader had promised repeatedly during his campaign that he would stop sending oil to B.C. if elected for opposition to the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, a controversial topic that has strained the relationship between the two provinces for months.

RELATED: Kenney says he’s unafraid to turn off oil taps to B.C. over pipeline

Kenney says at this time, the UCP government will not be enacting Bill 12, but did not say if or when that could change.

Kenney confirms they have no intention of using Bill 12 just yet, will take a more diplomatic route first.

— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) April 30, 2019

The Preserving Canada’s Economic Prosperity Act would “ensure the interests of Albertans are optimized before authorizing the export of natural gas, crude oil or refined fuels.” Some experts had said Kenney would have had to follow through on his threat after making it a major issue during the election campaign.

Here's Premier Jason Kenney confirming that he will not immediately be using the 'turn off the taps' legislation in retaliation against B.C. #ableg #cdnpoli #yeg #yyc pic.twitter.com/ibtGnDO3GQ

— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) April 30, 2019

However, others have cited concerns for businesses in Alberta, saying the province would essentially be “shooting itself in the foot” if it moved to prevent oil companies from exporting their product to British Columbia.

RELATED: ‘Empty threat’: Economists slam United Conservative leader’s promise to cut off gas to B.C.

Kenney is holding his first cabinet meeting on Tuesday, but has not said whether Bill 12 would come up.

The UCP leader defeated the New Democrats in the provincial election on April 16th, when the United Conservatives won 63 seats to the NDP’s 24.

Kenney has promised his government’s first piece of legislation will be to repeal a carbon tax the NDP brought in.

He becomes Alberta’s 18th premier.