Premier Jason Kenney is pleased that the much-delayed Trans Mountain Pipeline has received the “Notice to Proceed,” but is tempering his optimism with some harsh truths of a litany of protest delays.
“The ‘Notice to Proceed’ is a step forward for the much-delayed Trans Mountain Pipeline. This project has the support of the vast majority of Canadians, including seven out of 10 British Columbians,” says Kenney. “The news that construction will restart on this project is positive; however, there is still not reason to celebrate. The series of delays and the existing uncertainty around this vital project continue to present serious challenges.”
Trans Mountain Corp. has advised construction contractors to get ready for the restart of its pipeline expansion project to the west coast, adding that its directive gives contractors 30 days to ready equipment, start hiring workers, secure goods and services and develop detailed plans.
As Trans Mountain begins to prepare for its construction restart, Kenney is urging the federal and local authorities to ensure the rule of law is enforced and that construction is not illegally blocked.
“History has shown us that there are a small minority of individuals who are willing to break the law to prevent responsible resource development in Canada, and they must not be allowed to essentially veto a project that is vitally important – not only to Alberta, but to all of Canada,” he says.
The start of construction is an important milestone, but it should have never taken this long. TMX has been mired in delays and has been through countless months of consultation and a lengthy and rigorous review process. It has been cancelled twice.
“It is also worth pointing out that TMX is only one coastal pipeline. With the passage of the ‘No More Pipelines’ Bill C-69 and the Alberta tanker ban, Bill C-48, TMX will be the only new coastal pipeline for the foreseeable future,” Kenney points out. “This is unacceptable.”
