On Tuesday, one of the worst-kept secrets in politics was announced with the federal government's approval of Enbridge's Northern Gateway pipeline.
The "announcement" was a curious one for a project of this magnitude, delivered in a press release without fanfare or ministers rushing to take credit.
That's tacit acknowledgement that the pipeline, which chiefly benefits the Alberta oil sands, is still hugely unpopular in British Columbia, where 21 Conservative MPs currently hold seats.
The decision Tuesday was widely anticipated. Also anticipated were environmental groups and First Nations immediately cranking up campaigns to oppose the pipeline.
Numerous court challenges, civil disobedience and potential political retribution have all been promised before any heavy equipment starts work.
Opponents of the pipeline - who according to polls make up the majority of British Columbians - have repeatedly charged that the National Energy Board recommendation overlooks significant environmental issues. Even voters in Kitimat, which would probably gain the most from the project, symbolically rejected the pipeline.
That's all been noted by the province - a significant wild card - which set out five conditions that must be met before Victoria will give the project its blessing.
The province doesn't have a veto, but it can create significant difficulties for the pipeline.
So while the decision may have been announced, the political and legal battles are just beginning.
As one pundit joked wryly, the only sure pipeline announced Tuesday was the one transporting lawyers to the frontlines of an issue that won't be resolved any time soon.
- Guest editorial from the North Shore News
