The Attorney General of Saskatchewan says he has applied for intervenor status in the Trans Mountain Pipeline proceedings currently before the National Energy Board. The reasoning is due to the city of Burnaby not issuing necessary permits for Kinder Morgan to expand it’s pipeline.
“We are disappointed the City of Burnaby is deliberately slowing down an important project for an industry that is only now recovering from the severe slowdown caused by low oil prices. Saskatchewan has consistently taken the position that once an interprovincial pipeline has been approved by the federal government, provinces and municipalities should not be able to interfere,” says Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan.
The $7.4 billion expansion already has energy board and federal approvals, but the company says delays in permits and regulatory approvals mean the project could be almost nine months behind schedule.
“Our government will continue to advocate for an expansion of pipeline capacity across Canada. Our energy companies need to get their product to tidewater to ensure they receive the best price possible. All Canadians benefit from a thriving energy sector, including the citizens of Burnaby,” says Morgan.
The Alberta government also has said they will intervene.