Canada announces new measures for pipeline reviews

The Government of Canada has announced interim measures for pipeline reviews that could delay two major projects, TransCanada Corp’s Energy East pipeline as well as expansion of Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline.

A review of these two projects is currently in progress. The five principles announced by the government will guide its decision-making on various natural resource projects.

Canada is set to take measures to ensure consistency with these principles for the two projects.

For the Trans Mountain expansion project, the government plans to consult with Indigenous people and provide funding to support participation in these consultations.

It will also evaluate the upstream greenhouse gas emissions associated with the project and reveal the information to the public.

Even for the Energy East pipeline project, the government of Canada will undertake deeper consultations and help facilitate expanded public input into the National Energy Board review process.

In order to implement these measures, the Minister of Natural Resources will request an extension to the legislated time limit for the government’s decision.

The news agency quoted Environment Minister Catherine McKenna saying: "The principles we are announcing today will allow the government to make better evidence-based decisions on major projects."

Alberta Environment Minister Shannon Phillips has supported the federal government plan saying that they will restore public trust in pipeline projects.

Phillips said: "Energy infrastructure and getting our product to tidewater is a very important priority for this government.

"Alberta’s ability to access energy markets is crucial, not only for our province’s energy industry but for the economic future of Canada.

"We are pleased to hear that no existing projects will have to go back to square one of their review process. A regulatory reset would have added years to this work."