Canada starts the clock on West Coast oil pipeline
The Alberta government, named as the proponent, has already referred the project to Ottawa’s major projects office.
According to the notice, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc will work with the Alberta and British Columbia governments while consultations with Indigenous communities continue.
Alberta wants the pipeline built to strengthen the country’s energy independence and global competitiveness, the provincial government has said.
In weighing the designation, the government may consider whether a project strengthens “Canada’s autonomy, resilience and security,” delivers economic benefits, has a high likelihood of success, advances Indigenous interests and contributes to “clean growth” and the country’s climate goals, the notice states.
The move drew criticism from environmental groups and opposition politicians. Julia Levin, associate director of national climate at Environmental Defence, faulted the government for launching the process over the long weekend.
