Trudeau stands by pipeline

PM supports Kinder Morgan despite changing politics in B.C.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is standing by the Kinder Morgan pipeline project, even as the New Democrats and Greens in B.C. are teaming up to fight it. “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,” Trudeau said Tuesday in Rome at a joint news conference with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni.

“Regardless of the change in government in British Columbia or anywhere, the facts and evidence do not change.”

The Liberal government understands that growing a strong economy requires taking leadership on both the environment and the economy, he added.

“That is what drives us in the choices we make. We stand by those choices.”

Trudeau’s comments followed Monday’s news that B.C.’s anti-pipeline Green party and the provincial NDP have come to an agreement that could see the formation of a minority NDP government in the province, casting doubt on the project’s future.

Both parties have voiced their opposition to the Trans Mountain expansion, which would nearly triple the capacity of the pipeline that runs from Edmonton to Burnaby, B.C.

For Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, the pipeline stand of the West Coast New Democrats threatens a project that she says is vital both to her province and the national economy. No province can veto the line, she said in a statement.

“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 said.

“This is a foundational principle that binds our country together. There are no legal tools available to provinces to stand in the way of infrastructure projects that benefit all Canadians.”

Kinder Morgan went ahead Tuesday 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.

Trudeau also praised the benefits that international trade can bring to a world where people are anxious about the future, holding up the trade deal between Canada and the European Union as an example of creating new jobs and ensure more people can benefit from economic growth.

“We are proud of it, and you should be, too,” he told 45 parliamentarians and other dignitaries in the Sala della Regina, or the Queen’s Room, a majestic committee room at the Chamber of Deputies in the Italian Parliament.

“It will create the kind of growth that benefits all our citizens, not just our wealthiest.”

The trade agreement, known as CETA, is now being considered by the Senate.

Trudeau thanked the Italian parliamentarians who supported the deal, and said it would not have been possible without the support of “like-minded” leaders like Gentiloni.

International Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said the Liberal government hopes to bring other countries onside with trade by promoting it alongside Canadian values.

“There’s enormous interest for what Canada stands for,” he said. “The progressive and inclusive trade agenda is what, obviously, is the highlight, but we’re really building the bridges.”

Champagne also said Trudeau had given him the job of making trade “real” for people, by highlighting the tangible benefits for consumers.

“The best way to convince those who may not yet be convinced is to show them the real benefits.”