I think they'd rather provoke regional tensions between BC and Alberta rather than Alberta and Quebec, probably thinking that there would be less national unity fall out.  While I see the logic I think the BC/AB regional conflict this is going to unleash is unhealthy for the country and, given the very low likelihood the pipeline will actually be built, totally unnecessary and irresponsible.

When the Liberals committed to limiting global warming to 1.5 - 2˚C they committed Canada to substantial and quick reductions in CO2 emissions. This was the right thing to do, but they need to be honest with Canadians about what these reductions mean for the energy sector and how quickly Alberta, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland, and BC will have to transition their economies. Huge amounts of proven reserves will have to be left in the ground.

We need to be planning now for what will replace the petroleum and coal energy sector and provide assistance to people so that they can start moving towards it.