KINDER MORGAN’S PIPE DREAM?

Another day of uncertainty

Premier Rachel Notley has waved aside comments by Kinder Morgan CEO Steve Kean, who said late Wednesday he has seen nothing to change his mind over his company ’s suspension of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project.

Kean told an earnings conference call that events in recent days have reinforced his concerns about the $7.4-billion project’s viability.

His company suspended work on the project earlier this month because the investment may be “untenable for a private party to undertake.” Kean said developments over the last 10 days have “confirmed” those views.

Those 10 days have included a sit-down between Notley, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and B.C. Premier John Horgan; discussions about buying the pipeline with public dollars; and Alberta introducing legislation to control oil, gas and refined fuel exports.

On Wednesday, B.C. declared it’s launching yet another court challenge to determine if it has jurisdiction over the project.

Kean made his comments at the same time Notley faced budget estimates in Edmonton.

Speaking with reporters after the meeting, Notley said Kean’s comments don’t jibe with the conversations she and her officials have had with Kinder Morgan.

“We’re pleased that the conversations to reduce or eliminate investor risks have accelerated significantly over the last little while,” she said. “The message we’re getting back is they are pleased with the high level of engagement happening between us and the federal government.”

Notley said she won’t enter into public negotiations; those who need to be at the table to sort this whole thing out are there doing their work, she said.

“We have tight timelines to make some decisions and bring about outcomes that are fundamentally important to the province of Alberta, and the country. I remain confident we will be successful in meeting those deadlines,” she said.

United Conservative Party Leader Jason Kenney said late Wednesday the message from Kinder Morgan shouldn’t be a surprise.

“I think this just shows the premier is completely out of touch with the reality,” he said.

“She’s constantly had this tendency to declare victory when we’re further and further away from the certainty we need for this project.”