The provincial government says it will intervene in the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion hearing before the Federal Court of Appeal in support of the pipeline’s construction.
Justice Minister Don Morgan said the project is in the best interest of the country.
He states the province will argue that the requirement to consult with First Nations was met.
“Saskatchewan will make submissions to the Federal Court of Appeal on the need to fairly balance the duty to consult with other matters of public interest, such as transportation infrastructure,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan said.
“We think that the consultation that have taken place already comply with the current law. It was a complex consultation that did take place. The consultation we think was concluded and concluded satisfactory.”
It’s a rare move for the Sask. government to be standing side-by-side with Ottawa, but Morgan stated the pipeline, which won’t directly affect this province, is of national importance, suggesting projects of cross-jurisdiction deserve such support.
The government argues not having access to tidewater cost Saskatchewan producers approximately $3.7 billion in lost revenue and cost the Government of Saskatchewan $250 million in lost taxes, royalties and other revenue.
The proposed $9.3 billion Trans Mountain Expansion Project would increase capacity from 300,000 barrels per day to 890,000 barrels per day.
The hearing is scheduled for December.
(Photo: Trans Mountain pipeline route. Courtesy of transmountain.com)