FIVE THINGS
In a sweeping announcement Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government killed one oil pipeline project and approved two others. Here are some things to consider about these decisions:
1 Gateway to nowhere
The Northern Gateway rejection is no surprise. Trudeau had said before he was elected he was not in favour of the project and promised a tanker ban on the northwest coast. One year ago, he instructed Transport Minister Marc Garneau to formalize a moratorium on oil tanker traffic.
2 Enbridge doubles up
The Enbridge Line 3 approval, a $7.5-billion project, would replace the aging 1,660-kilometre pipeline. Replacement would nearly double capacity to 760,000 barrels a day, a result of a slightly larger pipe and removal of pressure restrictions that exist on the old line. The line would deliver bitumen from the oilsands to Superior, Wis.
3 Challenges ahead
The Kinder Morgan project approval does not mean there will be shovels in the ground soon. Even though the project has support from some, key First Nations along the coast are opposed. Those include the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh, whose claimed traditional lands encompass the marine terminal in Burrard Inlet. The Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish have launched legal challenges.
4 Support from B.C.
The B.C. Liberal government says the project still does not meet five conditions for its support: Passing an environmental review, creating world-leading marine and land spill prevention and recovery systems, addressing First Nations’ rights and the province receiving a fair share of economic benefits. While transboundary pipeline projects and tanker traffic are a federal responsibility, the B.C. government could be unco-operative with Ottawa on permits and other energy and climate-change issues.
5 Vocal opposition
An Ipsos Reid survey found more British Columbians thought the National Energy Board had made the right decision in approving the project than those who believed it was wrong. However, it’s clear there is a well-organized opposition among environmental and community groups, largely based in southwestern B.C., who say they are willing to do whatever it takes to stop the project.