By Canadian Press

constitutional challenge filed

Province appeals Bill C-69

Sep 11, 2019 | 7:14 AM

EDMONTON- The Kenney government has asked the province’s Appeal Court to rule on whether Ottawa’s new way of handling environmental assessments for major projects such as pipelines is constitutional.

Alberta’s challenge questions whether the federal government was acting within its authority when it passed a bill earlier this year that established the procedure.

Premier Jason Kenney argues that Bill C-69 infringes on the rights of provinces to control their own natural resources and that it will kill what is left of Alberta’s oil-and-gas sector.

Federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna has said the new review format for projects such as pipelines, mines and highways will be clear and timely.