Federal government scuppers Northern Gateway Pipeline project, promises to enact tanker ban off BC’s north coast

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced federal approval for two major pipeline projects today.

Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline replacement will upgrade an existing line in Alberta while Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline expansion will twin an existing oil pipeline that runs through Burnaby from Alberta.

The Kinder Morgan project has faced active opposition in BC and Trudeau says Kinder Morgan will be required to fulfil all 157 conditions the National Energy Board has attached to the project. The project will increase marine traffic in Burrard Inlet by an estimated 13%.

Trudeau says both projects meet the government’s environmental standards.

“But not all pipelines meet these strict criteria. Today, we are also announcing that the government of Canada has directed the National Energy Board to dismiss the application for the Northern Gateway Pipelines project. It has become clear that this project is not in the best interests of the local affected communities, including Indigenous peoples. The Great Bear Rainforest is no place for a pipeline and Douglas channel is no place for oil tanker traffic.”

Trudeau also announced that the government intends to make good on an election promise it seemed to have backed away from.

“I am also pleased to announce that we will keep our commitment to implement a moratorium on crude oil tanker shipping on British Columbia`s north coast. After consulting at length with people who live and work there, including indigenous partners, we’ve heard first hand how detrimental crude oil tanker traffic is to this region. Very shortly, we will introduce legislation to make this tanker moratorium the law.”

The Prime Minister says today`s announcements are representative of the government`s national energy policy and the interests of its people.

“I strongly believe that this moratorium, coupled with the rejection of the Northern Gateway pipeline, is the right call for the people of this province and for Canada.”