Premier Christy Clark has finally done what the people of B.C. have been asking. She has finally taken a stand on the Northern Gateway pipeline.
Well sort of. The provincial government has outlined five responses to the controversial project to even consider its approval. One of course is money. There is not enough financial benefit to B.C. given that we will bear the brunt of risk in this. If B.C. were to consider this project then the financial benefits to B.C. must be greater, although the provincial government is unclear on how much that would be.
Alberta premier Allison Redford has already voiced her disapproval of this, tersely asking for greater cooperation from B.C. to access new energy markets. We must, however bear in mind that Alberta currently approves all pipeline construction. What’s the hold up in B.C. for heaven’s sake?
Another response is completing the environmental review process. I think Ms. Clark is referring to the National Energy Board’s hearings, as currently B.C. is not participating in any environmental review process for this pipeline. It is my understanding that the National Energy Board has only once not recommended a project go ahead.
Deploying world leading marine oil spill response is another. I wonder how B.C. will manage that, given that the federal government has just cut funding.
Addressing legal requirements regarding aboriginal land and treaty rights: Enbridge has announced it has received support from 60 per cent of the First Nations who approve the project.
Using world leading practices for land oil spill prevention, response and recovery systems: Well we are painfully aware of the recent land oil spills, not just by Enbridge’s pipeline but others as well.
Does Christy Clark believe Enbridge’s claim that they will make a world class pipeline that adheres to the highest safety standards” even safer? I’d like to buy some of those rose-colored glasses.
We should perhaps put our faith in Alberta’s energy minister Ken Hughes. On defending Northern Gateway he says, “the pipeline review he ordered on Friday should take care of any safety concerns around the proposal.”
Hey, who’s running this province anyway?
Dagmar Seydel
Qualicum Bay