The federal government’s approval of the Northern Gateway pipeline project has stirred up a well of controversy in British Columbia, and with the federal opposition parties.
Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod says the NDP came out “pretty negatively on almost every resource project I can think of,” but have made clear statements on oil sands, and want more increased funding transfers for health care, education, infrastructure and housing to the provinces.
“We made our decision based on an independent environmental review process, not like the Opposition members, who think they should make decisions just on a whim of whether they like a project or don’t like one.”
However, Premier Christy Clark and environment minister Mary Polak insist their answer to the project is still a “no” pending four remaining conditions that have yet to be met – the fifth being fulfilled by last December’s completion of the federal environmental assessment.
“We understand the economic benefits the Northern Gateway project may bring. But it will not be at the cost of our environment,” says Polak.
McLeod notes the Stephen Harper government’s approval is contingent on Enbridge’s pipeline project meeting the 209 conditions recommended by the independent National Energy Board (NEB), and imposed in the federal review.
“There’s 209 other hurdles to meet, and so to me, this is one hurdle in a very extended process that’s still before this initiative.”
Estimates indicate two-thirds of the province are against the project or want it postponed until further plans can be made, such as refining the bitumen into a much less toxic oil before it ships off the coast at Kitimat.
The port city of Kitimat, environmentalists, other concerned citizens and 31 First Nations groups from Northern, Coastal, Vancouver Island and Interior regions openly and strongly oppose the project, and say they will “vigorously” pursue legal means to block the project.
“We will defend our territories whatever the costs may be,” they state in a joint news release.
McLeod says Enbridge “clearly” has a lot more work to do, not only in meeting the 209 conditions, but also in presenting a plan for which the province will agree to provide the (60) necessary permits.
“I think it’s important to note that I believe a significant number of these recommendations also speak to the need to have further conversations with the Aboriginal communities.”
The NEB will be monitoring the project’s success in moving forward based on these conditions, she adds.
“As the federal government – that has a regulatory role – we made our decision based on the recommendations that said if these 209 conditions, and plus the four from B.C. are implemented it can be done in a way that’s safe for the environment, safe for the community.”
In response to concerns over a major environmental catastrophe caused by a pipeline rupture near a river or an oil tanker spill off the coast, McLeod points to current transport methods of tanker trucks and railway cars as being more hazardous.
“The pipeline method of moving oil is significantly safer. And, certainly as we drive our highways or look at the rail lines that move along the river, there must be a full response system in place.”
Technology is moving forward on strong spill response methods and on preventing “mishaps” from occurring in the first place, she explains.
“I’m more comfortable and confident in terms of the mass movement of our oil products that a pipeline is a very safe way to move oil.
“The ability to prevent, respond and mitigate is absolutely critical in the very rare instance of an issue.”
McLeod says the ability to get Canada’s oil to market is “obviously essential” to the nation’s economy, and to a certain degree, to society’s reliance on oil.
“My personal opinion is that I am comfortable with the decision we made based on the independent recommendations of an independent panel.”
