VOTE: Will the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion be built?
A debate over a controversial infrastructure project is pitting provinces against each other in a way that is putting the entire plan in jeopardy.
The Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project is Kinder Morgan’s plan to nearly triple the oil output capacity of an existing pipeline to 890,000 barrels a day.
This will be done by adding 980 kilometres of new pipeline and reactivating 193 kilometres of existing pipeline. Twelve new pump stations, 19 more tanks and the construction of three berths at a British Columbia marine terminal will be required for the project, which runs from Edmonton to Burnaby, B.C.
Kinder Morgan says the project is expected to cost $7.4 billion. Originally built in 1953, the pipeline serves as Canada’s only West Coast link for Alberta’s oilsands to global markets via the Pacific Ocean.
Project has 157 binding conditions
The project was approved by the federal government in November 2016. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the decision was “in the best interests of Canada” and a “major win” for workers, families and the economy.
The National Energy Board imposed 157 binding conditions on the expansion project. Kinder Morgan says the approval process took 29 months to complete.
Months after the project was approved, there’s been some fierce opposition from First Nation leaders, environmentalists and politicians.
British Columbia has been against the project under Premier John Horgan, citing environmental concerns. The province seeks more protections and safeguards, and an official tells The Canadian Press a list of requests have been submitted to Ottawa.
Saskatchewan to enter the fray
Horgan has vowed to dig in his heels against the project, using all legal means necessary to stop the project. In January, the province announced it would be restricting the flow of diluted bitumen travelling through the province until more studies are completed.
In Alberta, the government is firmly in favour of the project. Responding to opposition from Horgan, Premier Rachel Notley’s party introduced a bill aimed at limiting exports of crude, natural gas and gasoline to British Columbia.
Meanwhile, Saskatchewan has joined Alberta’s side in the battle. Premier Scott Moe says Saskatchewan is prepared to introduce a bill that would limit energy exports to British Columbia.
Alberta’s bill was unveiled a day after Notley met with Trudeau and Horgan in Ottawa to discuss the dispute, which was not resolved.
Pipeline ‘will be built,’ Trudeau says
As the provinces go back and forth, Kinder Morgan has suspended work on the project and has given itself until the end of May to decide whether to move forward with it.
The federal government has insisted the project falls under their jurisdiction. Trudeau says the pipeline “will be built.” Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau insists “failure is not an option.” The government has even promised financial backing for the project, which was never publicly requested by Kinder Morgan.
With no end in sight, only time will tell how this dispute will end. It could be resolved through negotiations, or it could wind up in the courts. But will it be built?
Let us know what you think by voting in our poll and sharing your thoughts in the comment section.
