By rdnewsNOW staff and The Canadian Press

Premier Notley vows Trans Mountain pipeline expansion will be built

Apr 9, 2018 | 6:27 AM

EDMONTON- Premier Notley says Kinder Morgan’s deadline on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion is a rebuke to the actions of the British Columbia government.

The company announced yesterday it is suspending all non-essential activities and related spending on the project, and says its decision is based on the B.C. government’s opposition to the project.

Kinder Morgan says it will consult with “various stakeholders” to try and reach an agreement by May 31st that might allow the project to proceed.

Here is part of the statement issued by Premier Notley on Sunday.

“Albertans have been clear – get this pipeline built. And Albertans are right – this pipeline must be built.”

project will take one year

Construction activity to start on hospital parkade expansion

13h ago

Red Deer man charged after police locate stolen vehicle

14h ago

City and County to collaborate on regional economic development with NRED grant

16h ago

“Tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars to the economy depend upon it.”

“Federal Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr has called on the Government of British Columbia to suspend all threats of delay to the Trans Mountain expansion. Those are strong words, but we need more. We are calling on the federal government to act in the defence of Alberta and working people in Western Canada.”

“As well, I have two things to say to British Columbia.”

“First, Premier Horgan believes he can harass this project without economic consequences for his province. He is wrong. We will be bringing forward legislation in coming days giving our government the powers it needs to impose serious economic consequences on B.C. if its government continues on its present course.”

“Second, Premier Horgan believes he can harass the investors and managers of Kinder Morgan, that they will give up, and that this will kill this project. He is wrong here as well.”

“This pipeline will be built.”

Notley says her government would consider taking an equity stake in the expansion if investors are considering backing away. 

She says legislation is coming in the next few days to give her the power, as previously announced, to turn down the taps on oil headed to B.C.

(The Canadian Press)