Clark says pipeline a ‘very large risk’ to B.C.
OTTAWA – B.C. Premier Christy Clark says the proposed Northern Gateway oilsands pipeline poses “a very large risk” to her province with “very small” benefit, and doubts British Columbians believe the current risk to the environment is an acceptable one.
Just days before her government will pose questions to Enbridge at the joint review panel examining the Northern Gateway, Clark told Postmedia News that while she understands the national economic importance of the pipeline, she’s not convinced yet it’s in the best interests of British Columbians.
“I understand the national benefit in this, and the huge benefit to Alberta in this. I understand that. But there is a very large risk to British Columbia for our marine and terrestrial environment. And there is a very small — at the moment — benefit to our province,” she said in an interview Thursday evening.
The B.C. government is still trying to determine, through the review panel process, the risks and benefits for her province, she said, but the public — to this point — doesn’t appear convinced it’s worth the gamble.
“Based on what we know now, I don’t think British Columbians think the balance of risks and benefits is an acceptable one,” she said.
Clark’s comments are arguably her most forceful yet on the proposed paired system of pipelines that would send oilsands crude from northern Alberta to the port of Kitimat, B.C., where supertankers could then ship the product to lucrative Asian markets.
As the B.C. government closes in on a decision, Enbridge announced Friday it’s prepared to spend up to $500 million on additional safety measures for the Gateway, including increasing the thickness of pipeline walls over water crossings and adding more pipeline inspections.
“We recognize that there are concerns among aboriginal groups and the public around pipeline safety and integrity,” said Janet Holder, Enbridge executive vicepresident. “With these enhanced measures, we will make what is already a very safe project even safer to provide further comfort to people who are concerned about the safety of sensitive habitats in remote areas.”
Her latest comments are sure to spark tension next week as premiers gather in Halifax for the Council of the Federation meeting and hope to craft a new pan-Canadian energy strategy.
Clark secretly flew into Edmonton on Thursday to meet with Alberta Premier Alison Redford to discuss a number of issues in advance of the premiers’ conference, including the Northern Gateway. Clark also stopped in Saskatoon earlier Thursday for a similar talk with Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall, who also supports the pipeline.
Redford came out of the meeting disappointed that Clark has refused to state a position on the pipeline.
“It’s incredibly frustrating to me,” Redford said following the meeting.
“A lot of what I think she wanted to chat about was her ongoing concern as the premier of B.C. with respect to what’s going on with Enbridge and what her thinking is about that,” Redford said about her meeting with Clark.
“She feels right now — I can’t put words in her mouth — a fair amount of pressure to be making comments with respect to this.”
The B.C. premier told Postmedia News she’ll raise the pipeline issue next week at the Council of the Federation conference, which coincides with her government using its intervener status at the National Energy Board joint hearings to press Enbridge for answers on some of the province’s concerns.
“We will be discussing it and we will have more to say about it next week,” Clark said. “I understand the value in being able to export that oil, that bitumen, to China, for Alberta.”
Clark said she’s happy to participate in discussions on a national energy strategy — spearheaded by Redford — but is uncertain what any pan-Canadian plan would look like.