Saskatchewan Granted Leave To Intervene In Trans Mountain Appeal
Saskatchewan has been granted leave to intervene in the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion hearing before the Federal Court of Appeal in support of the pipeline’s construction.
Saskatchewan will be intervening in support of the federal government by arguing that the project was properly approved. The Federal Court will hear arguments on whether the federal government adequately consulted with First Nations.
“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. “Projects like Trans Mountain create a stronger economy that allow the federal and provincial governments to invest in programs and initiatives like health and education.”
Saskatchewan supports the construction of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. Without new pipeline capacity, demand for rail transportation will continue to increase, putting cost pressures on to oil producers as well as other rail-transport dependent industries, such as the agriculture and mining sectors.
In a keynote speech to the National Coalition of Chiefs Energy and Natural Resources Summit in Calgary today, Saskatchewan Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre spoke to the importance of the Trans Mountain Expansion project for landlocked provinces such as Saskatchewan and the opportunities for greater participation from Indigenous communities on natural resource projects.
“The Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project is in the interest of all Canadians,” Eyre said in her speech. “Energy projects, including pipeline projects, are a source of prosperity. Our government continues to advocate for vital energy infrastructure, which supports national unity and enhances the Saskatchewan and Canadian economy.”
In 2018, the lack of 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, providing significant benefit to landlocked Canadian producers.
The hearing is scheduled for December.