For the second time in 3 years, the federal government has greenlit the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion project.
Last summer, the federal government opted to purchase the massive pipeline project for 4.5 billion dollars from then-owners Kinder Morgan.
Within hours of the sale becoming final, the Federal Court of Appeal pulled the rug from under the project, ordering another approval process.
They ruled that, during the initial approval, Indigenous consultation and marine ecosystem impacts had not been adequately considered.
Last month, the National Energy Board completed their second review, ruling that, while the pipeline did pose environmental risks, it was in the best interest of the Canadian economy.
Today, federal cabinet members came to the same conclusion, issuing their approval for the project.
But, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also announced that every cent earned from the project would be reinvested in clean energy.
He also said that proceeds of the project’s eventual sale will also go towards developing cleaner energy sources.
Government officials will now begin discussions with Indigenous groups interested in the project.
Premier John Horgan
BC Premier John Horgan was quick to make his thoughts known following Ottawa’s approval of the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion.
Horgan has been outspoken in his opposition to the project, going so far as to propose legislation to halt the project.
But that legislation was thwarted by the BC Court of Appeal when they ruled it would conflict with the federal government’s jurisdiction over inteprovincial projects.
Despite BC’s intent to appeal that decision, Horgan said today that Ottawa has the right to approve the project.
He also said that, while the decision disappoints him, he will shift his focus to what he can do to protect BC’s environment.
Horgan issued his comments just moments after today’s landmark announcement, saying he will continue to fight for BC’s coasts.
Andrew Wilkinson
BC Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson says the decision sends a message to Premier John Horgan and his NDPs, telling them to stop blocking the project.
According to Wilkinson, the time for obstruction is over, and the government needs to step aside and support the project.
In a statement issued shortly after the Prime Minister’s announcement, Wilkinson says the project is happening no matter what and it’s time for Horgan to get “on board”.
Wilkinson says the project has the support of the majority of British Columbians and that it will bring hundreds of jobs, and millions of dollars to the communities along the pipeline’s route.
