Moe supports Alberta turning oil off to get B.C. pipeline built
Saskatchewan’s premier is picking up where his predecessor left off by stepping up to criticize the federal and other provincial governments over pipelines.
Scott Moe is saying he would be in support of Alberta turning off the oil taps to British Columbia, and that Saskatchewan wouldn’t be helping the westernmost province.
Earlier this year, the B.C. government proposed restrictions on oil shipments that would flow through Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline.
Although Saskatchewan is not connected to that pipeline, Moe says delaying the project affects the province.
“The indirect effect that we have is, we will always fight for safe and efficient pipelines to be constructed so we can continually move more of that product, of that energy product, to ports and preserve the capacity that we have on our rails for things such as our refined fuel properties, such as our potash, and of course our agricultural products, which we are again behind in shipments this particular year,” he said, adding he is asking the federal government “to ensure British Columbia understands (the pipeline) has been approved and construction should begin as soon as possible.”
Asked why the premier of Saskatchewan would be supporting the premier of Alberta in a decision that, if made, would harm average citizens living in B.C., Moe said, “by not allowing the construction of the pipeline, the people who are being hurt are just regular Alberta and Saskatchewan people, quite honestly, as we’re not able to get our product to market.”
Moe said B.C.’s government taking a stance against the pipeline is different than his stance against a carbon tax because, “the transportation of our products to port, whether it be on rail or through pipelines, has always been under federal responsibility.”
He noted what provinces do with natural resources is a provincial responsibility — but the federal government contends it has jurisdiction over the environment, which is why it is allowed to impose a carbon tax on the province. Asked about this, Moe reiterated his position that the province has control over its natural resources.
NDP Leader Ryan Meili said the issue of moving oil to market is a federal one and that, “We should be putting all of our pressure on Justin Trudeau to show leadership. He has failed to come forward with enough clarity to make sure this project goes forward.”