NDP appeal for pipeline unity sparks disharmony with UCP
Unity of all parties in the Alberta legislature is as rare as a unicorn with spats. The NDP hopes to achieve it next Monday through an emergency debate to show provincial solidarity on the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion.
But as you’d expect, there are signs of disunity.
NDP house leader Brian Mason says the government wants to prove to Albertans, British Columbians and all Canadians that the entire legislature is solidly behind the pipeline.
The motion specifically asks MLAs to “support the Government of Alberta’s fight on behalf of Albertans’ interests to ensure the lawfully approved Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion is built.”
It goes on to insist Ottawa take all necessary legal steps in support of construction, and that the MLAs reaffirm support for the pipeline expansion as a “key component of Alberta’s energy future.”
Jason Kenney’s United Conservatives aren’t happy with this. They certainly support the pipeline, but they don’t always like the way the NDP is fighting for it.
Kenney generally favours a much tougher stance against B.C., despite Premier Rachel Notley’s recent wine boycott and her regular warnings.
In Vancouver earlier this week, he talked about cutting current oil shipments and slapping toll charges on B.C. natural gas crossing Alberta.
Kenney left B.C. reporters with this zinger: “My message to (Premier) John Horgan is: I may very well be sitting across the table from you in 14 months.
“And if you’re unable to come to an understanding with your fellow New Democrat Rachel Notley, just wait until you’re sitting across the table from me.”
After the NDP released the motion Wednesday, the UCP sent Mason a letter asking for a meeting to discuss stronger wording.
UCP house leader Jason Nixon, clearly surprised and annoyed, said he was pleased to learn “through media reports” about the government’s intention to debate.
“I trust that this was a very recent decision, since you did not raise it during our meeting yesterday nor during our meeting last week.”
After receiving his letter, the government refused to meet with the UCP.
“We’ve already submitted our motion. UCP is free to offer amendments to be debated in the house,” said Cheryl Oates, Notley’s communications director.
Nixon noted the government dismissed Kenney’s Feb. 9 request that Notley recall the legislature for an emergency unity debate.
In that letter, Kenney commended Notley’s recent actions but added, “I reiterate, however, that far more serious consequences may be necessary to defend our interests, and the rule of law in Canada.”
He guaranteed the UCP’s full co-operation in writing a motion that would “unite the legislature in speaking for Albertans.”
Kenney was offering to help find middle ground that would generate debate but pass without rancour. A negotiated motion would have virtually guaranteed the unity Mason wants to show the rest of the country.
But on Wednesday, the New Democrats rejected the second offer to negotiate wording. They didn’t tell the other parties about the motion until shortly before Mason’s news conference.
Relations between the government and the UCP are on a hairtrigger before the legislature even opens with Thursday’s throne speech. Both are trying hard to get the edge with voters on Kinder Morgan. In pursuit of the same goal, they’re anything but united.
A debate to show that the legislature is solidly behind the pipeline is a very good idea. But the way this is starting, there’s no guarantee of harmony.