Pipeline debate to launch NDP’s spring agenda
Premier asking legislators to support government’s fight to get project built
EDMONTON The first item on the NDP’s spring legislative agenda is to debate the $7.4-billion Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, says the government house leader.
“We want to send a clear message that we stand united,” Brian Mason told a Wednesday news conference as MLAs return for the new sitting that begins Thursday. “The premier is doing a lot of heavy lifting on this file.”
Premier Rachel Notley will bring forward a motion Monday to debate the Kinder Morgan project from Alberta to the West Coast. The motion asks legislators to support the government’s fight on behalf of Albertans and ensure the pipeline expansion is built.
“(And) call for the federal government to continue to take all necessary legal steps in support of the pipeline’s construction,” the motion reads.
A recent Alberta-B.C. dispute over Trans Mountain led to a short-lived Alberta ban on importing B.C. wines. Alberta also formed a 19-member task force to examine possible retaliatory steps if B.C. places more barriers on the project.
The official Opposition called for an emergency debate on the issue weeks ago, said United Conservative Party house leader Jason Nixon.
“The premier indicated she thought it would be a waste of time to have us back inside the legislature talking about this,” he told a news conference Wednesday. “We are dealing with a serious issues and the idea we have waited five weeks to have this conversation is disappointing.”
Nixon sent Mason a letter Wednesday asking to discuss the motion.
“We are optimistic that both parties can easily come to an agreement on wording,” he wrote.
Cannabis legislation is another government priority for the spring session.
“There’s a lot more work to be done,” Mason said, referencing rules on traffic safety, marketing and the commercial rollout of cannabis.
The NDP plans to introduce about 15 bills this session, including a bill on urban agriculture to promote local food. Finance Minister Joe Ceci is also slated to table the provincial budget March 22.
The floor plan of the legislature will look different Thursday, with newly minted UCP Leader Jason Kenney taking his seat for Calgary-Lougheed. The corner of independents is smaller after both Calgary-Mackay-Nose Hill MLA Karen McPherson and CalgarySouth East MLA Rick Fraser joined the Alberta Party.
That party now has three sitting members, including CalgaryElbow MLA Greg Clark.
Vermilion-Lloydminster MLA Richard Starke sits as a Progressive Conservative after he declined to join the UCP and StrathmoreBrooks MLA Derek Fildebrandt sits as an independent.