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Stetski opposing Kinder Morgan buy-out
Kootenay-Columbia MP Wayne Stetski says he will be letting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Finance Minister Bill Morneau and Parliament that he opposes today’s announcement of a Kinder Morgan buy-out.
Morneau announced this morning that Canada will buy the Trans Mountain pipeline system for $4.5-billion, citing the purchase is in the nation’s best interests to see the proposed expansion completed.
“Make no mistake, this is an investment in Canada’s future,” he stated.
The announcement has drawn condemnation from the federal Conservative Party and NDP Party, including Stetski.
“Across my riding of Kootenay-Columbia, people are divided about whether the Kinder Morgan pipeline should be built. I’ve heard from both sides, and I appreciate receiving everyone’s views,” Stetski said on social media this afternoon (May 29).
“But today I’m hearing nothing but outrage that the federal government will spend $4.5 billion to buy out the pipeline. This is a tremendous misuse of tax dollars that could have gone to renewable energy projects, building a new refinery, or any number of other job creating strategies,” he suggested, adding, “I’ll be letting the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister know that I oppose the Kinder Morgan buy-out.”
B.C. NDP Premier John Horgan, whose flimsy minority government is staked on opposition to the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, stated this morning: “Today’s events do not change the risks of a seven-fold increase in tanker traffic, or the catastrophic effect a diluted bitumen spill would cause to British Columbia’s economy and environment.
“Tens of thousands of B.C. jobs depend on pristine coastal and inland waters. Our environment generates millions in economic activity, from tourism to film and fisheries.
“It does not matter who owns the pipeline. What matters is defending our coast – and our lands, rivers and streams – from the impact of a dilbit spill.
“Our government is determined to defend British Columbia’s interests within the rule of law and in the courts. We will continue our reference case, to determine our rights within our provincial jurisdiction.”
B.C.’s Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy this afternoon released an update on Trans Mountain expansion project permitting process and noted 536 permit applications must still be reviewed.
“In total, 1,191 provincial permits are required for the Trans Mountain expansion project, with many involving First Nations consultation. To date: 756 permit applications have been submitted to permitting agencies. Of these, 220 have been approved and permits issued. The remaining 536 submitted permit applications are being reviewed.”
Another 435 permits have yet to be submitted by Kinder Morgan Canada Ltd.
All permits submitted must align with the 37 conditions outlined in the provincial environmental certificate, as well as the 157 conditions detailed in the National Energy Board’s approval, the ministries pointed out.
Lead image from Kinder Morgan
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