The National Energy Board’s deadline on the Kinder Morgan pipeline recommendation is fast approaching.
The board’s three-person panel has likely determined whether or not the $6.8 billion expansion is in Canada’s best interests, and that recommendation to federal cabinet is due this Friday, May 20.
At press deadline, all we knew was the NEB would make its announcement some time this week, giving reporters 24-hours advance notice.
We asked local stakeholders what they are expecting with respect to the decision.
Ali Hounsell, spokesperson for the Trans Mountain expansion, is optimistic the company will get a green light from NEB.
“We believe we’ve demonstrated through the evidence - through the scientific and technical evidence - as well as demonstrated through all the engagement and changes to the project we’ve done as a result from feedback we’ve heard, that we can build and operate the project in the consideration of community, the environment and First Nations,” she said.
According to Hounsell, Kinder Morgan is keeping a close eye on any conditions attached to the decision. The NEB has already listed nearly 150 draft conditions - things the company must do if the pipeline expansion proceeds. The company will be looking closely at those recommendations to see if any have changed or new ones were added, and what they will cost the project in terms of time and money.
Kennedy Stewart, New Democrat MP for Burnaby South, is expecting enthusiastic yes from the NEB this Friday. However, it’s the federal cabinet that will have the final say in December, and Stewart is focusing his attention on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“I’m just going to drop (the NEB decision) in the garbage and help British Columbians urge Mr. Trudeau to stop the pipeline. I’ll drop it in the recycling, not the garbage. It is a meaningless document. It was rigged right from the beginning,” he said.
Stewart launched a new website Tuesday, nopublicnopipeline.ca, marking the start of his new public awareness campaign, urging people to write Trudeau to stop the pipeline.
“I still think there’s a chance to have Mr. Trudeau to say no. If the public gets active, if First Nations get active, it will make it impossible for him to approve the pipeline,” he said.
Terry Beech, Liberal MP for Burnaby North-Seymour, said he wouldn’t speculate in advance of the decision.
“I think they have a track record, and you can speculate based on that,” he said. “I’m going to wait until (the decision).”
Beech said his focus is on the ministerial representatives and ensuring his constituents have their voices heard. He also said there will be a local meeting on Kinder Morgan and climate change on July 16.
“We’re working on opportunities for (Natural Resources Minister James) Carr and (Environment Minister Catherine) McKenna to visit the riding,” he added.
