Critical to get the Kinder Morgan pipeline built
MLA Oneil Carlier Whitecourt Ste. Anne
This past week, the Legislature has been on a break and I have spent my time in the constituency talking to constituents. I’ve been hearing from you about things that matter to you most such as Health Care, Education, Infrastructure and essential services.
The one issue I am hearing the most about, however, is pipelines. So, I would like to give you an update on that issue.
Premier Rachel Notley has been relentlessly fighting for Alberta, both in public and at the negotiating table, because Albertans deserve the best—and fairest—return on our resources.
With the B.C. government threatening endless delays to TransMountain’s construction, I and our entire caucus proudly passed Bill 12 in the Legislature, which gives us the power we need to restrict the export of natural gas, crude oil and refined fuels. The Premier is now fully prepared to turn off the taps of resources flowing to B.C., if the path to building that pipe is not cleared immediately.
It is critical to get the Kinder Morgan pipeline built. Our province and our communities need the revenue that will be generated by the pipeline to support such things as hospitals, seniors facilities, low income housing projects, repaving of highways including Highways 22, 37 and 43 as well as Community Facility Enhancement Program and Community Initiative Program grants to name a few.
That’s why the only outcome we’ll accept is that the Trans-Mountain Pipeline expansion gets built. End of story.
Meanwhile, UCP leader Jason Kenney is not helping. He’s talking Alberta’s chances down instead of backing our efforts. He can’t keep his story straight, first agreeing we could invest in the pipeline, then saying funding it is wrong. Not to mention, he spent 20 years in Ottawa and failed to get a pipeline to tidewater built. Plus, while he was there, he bailed out the auto sector – but now thinks Albertan projects aren’t good enough to receive the same deal? He even said no pipeline project is a national priority.
But, regardless of his antics, Premier Notley has maintained a razorfocus, because the Trans Mountain expansion is our #1 priority. Unlike the UCP, we aren’t flip-flopping on whether we support it, or how to get it built. That’s why our government is the only one who can get this done.
Every step of the way, Premier Notley has taken a consistent and careful approach to make sure that we win this fight and get the right outcome for Albertans. And it’s her leadership that has pushed the federal government to move forward.
Now, finally, Ottawa is starting to take action on their jurisdiction, by getting tough with the B.C. government and proposing to backstop the pipeline – and it’s because Premier Notley has been a strong, unwavering advocate for Alberta and this project. She’s also helped convince a majority of Canadians that the pipeline is good for the entire country, including folks in B.C.
I am so proud to have a Premier who is steadfast in sticking up for Albertans and our fair share. Because at the end of the day, this pipeline is what’s best for Alberta.
That is why Premier Notley and your government will not give up until this pipeline is built. The stakes are too high for Albertans, and all Canadians, to let up now. We’re almost across the finish line, and we will get the job done.