Northern Gateway pipeline decision after markets close
Posted Jun 17, 2014 05:30:03 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA – The federal government will unveil its long-awaited decision Tuesday on the Northern Gateway pipeline after the markets close.
The $7 billion, 1,200 kilometre pipeline would carry Alberta oilsands to Kitimat on the BC coast for shipment overseas.
A joint panel of the National Energy Board and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency released a report in December recommending approval.
And, Natural Resources Minister Greg Rickford has hinted that the cabinet decision will be positive for the project.
However, the pipeline faces stiff opposition from many First Nations, who have threatened court challenges if the project gets the green light.
In addition, BC Premier Christy Clark has said the project still has not met the five conditions the province has laid out for approval.
They include strict environmental protections, adequate consultations with First Nations and that B-C receives a “fair share” of the benefits.
Other events taking place on and around Parliament Hill Tuesday:
— The Senate expenses scandal comes back into the spotlight as a lawyer for retired former Liberal Senator Mac Harb appears in court. Harb is facing fraud and breach of trust charges arising from the scandal, although he is not expected to be at the Ottawa courthouse for the hearing.
— Also in court, across the river in Gatineau, Que., is a lawyer for suspended Senator Patrick Brazeau. But that appearance has nothing to do with the Senate. Brazeau is up on five charges, including two counts of assault and possession of cocaine.
— Spending by the New Democrats will be the focus as the House of Commons house affairs committee hears from three Conservative members of the committee on the use of Commons resources by the Official Opposition;
— Health Minister Rona Ambrose delivers opening remarks at the Health Portfolio’s Healthy and Safe Food Regulatory Forum;
— Statistics Canada releases job-vacancy numbers, over a three-month averaging period, ending in March;
— Laureen Harper will be on hand, along with Canada 2015 CEO Peter Montopoli, to welcome the official mascot for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada;
— And Canada 2020 presents a panel discussion on “Innovation in the Canadian Energy Sector.” The panel includes Elyse Allan of GE Canada, Jim Balsillie from Sustainable Development Technology Canada, and Dan Wicklum of the Canadian Oil Sands Innovational Alliance.
