Quebec coalition backs pipeline project
A coalition of business groups and large unions came out together in defence of TransCanada’s Energy East pipeline project Friday and said it will spur economic development and job creation.
Representatives from several business federations and two construction unions made their announcement just days before the National Energy Board holds hearings on the pipeline on Monday in Montreal.
Union head Michel Trépanier said workers stand to benefit for five years from construction projects tied to the pipeline.
“We need projects like this,” he told reporters. “We need to be able to attract projects to be able to support our families. One person out of 20 in Quebec works in the construction sector. We welcome with open arms projects like this.”
Energy East is a 4,500-kilometre pipeline that would transport crude oil from Alberta to Eastern Canada. It has become controversial in Quebec, with many politicians and activists coming out against it due to environmental concerns.
On Thursday evening, Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre demanded the hearings be suspended.
Coderre said he was alarmed by a report that two National Energy Board commissioners had met with Jean Charest to discuss the pipeline while the former Quebec premier was a lobbyist for TransCanada.
Brian Jean, leader of Alberta’s Wildrose party, accused Coderre of meddling in the process.
Michel Leblanc, president of the Montreal Board of Trade, told reporters the coalition, while favourable to Energy East, recognizes there is a long regulatory process the project needs to follow.
Hearings take place in Montreal all next week and in Quebec City the week of Oct. 3.