Mixed feelings in Ottawa about pipelines as BC Greens, NDP team up

OTTAWA, ON. (NEWS 1130) – There is both concern and rejoice on Parliament Hill as the future of the controversial Kinder Morgan pipeline is now up in the air following an historical shake-up in BC politics.

Premier Christy Clark could lose power now that the BC Green Party and NDP have reached an agreement to form a minority government. And that means the major pipeline could be at risk since the Greens and New Democrats have both vowed to end the project.

However, speaking in Italy, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he stands by it. “Regardless of a change in government in British Columbia or anywhere, the facts and evidence do not change.”

Trudeau argues the project will bring economic benefits to the country. “The decision we took on the Trans Mountain pipeline was based on facts and evidence on what is in the best interests of Canadians and indeed, all of Canada. That is what drives us in the choices we make. We stand by those choices.”

The pipeline has already been approved at a federal level, but the province could withhold permits to effectively prevent construction.
Federal Green Party Leader Elizabeth May believes the future does not look good for the project. “I think it’s dead.”

May is happy with that but points out the Trudeau government could still force the pipeline through, although she doesn’t believe they’ll want to have a constitutional battle with BC.

Pundits say Alberta’s premier needs the Trans Mountain pipeline built to get re-elected, but Rachel Notley isn’t letting on if she’s worried about the NDP-Green agreement. “I don’t know that it makes a great deal of difference. Our view of the matter and one that I think will be supported ultimately in the courts is that the decision has been taken by the federal government. It’s important to note that provinces do not have the right to unilaterally stop projects such as Trans Mountain that have earned the federal government’s approval.”

Notley also wants everyone to mark her words: the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion will go ahead to deliver her province’s oil to the West Coast and jobs to British Columbia.

She says the pipeline is in the best interests of Albertans and all Canadians but adds it’s especially important to BC because the province’s growth can’t just be fuelled by rising house prices in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Notley adds BC needs stronger economic growth and the jobs that the pipeline will bring to the province’s Interior.

Kinder Morgan went ahead this morning with its initial public offering for the expansion. Shortly after the opening bell, shares traded at $15.77, down 7.24 per cent from the $17 they were priced at in their initial public offering. The first trade was for $16.25.