Feds’ options for Trans Mountain pipeline may be limited: political observer

OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – The federal government has been calling on BC to stand down in its opposition to the Trans Mountain pipeline, saying all options are on the table. But observers say the federal options to revive the suspended project may be rather limited.

The natural resources minister is keeping vague about what the next steps could be to get the project built — and there may be good reason for that.

“I don’t know what the federal government… has in terms of recourse,” says Paul Wells, a senior writer with Maclean’s.

He tells us the government could make a reference to the Supreme Court or try to crack down on the growing protests blocking construction — but both options likely won’t be effective.

“They can obtain court orders, people can ignore court orders. They can send the police in to pick people up off the roads, but that’s going to be night after night after night of really nasty TV coverage.

Wells doubts some sort of political deal can be worked out. He says whatever tricks the prime minister has up his sleeves, he’ll have to perform them fast.

Kinder Morgan has given a May 31st deadline for a final decision on the project.

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