http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/trans-mountain-pipeline-bc-reference-case-1.4636474
![Robert Anderson]()
Robert Anderson
![David Amos]()
![Lanny Fleming]()
Bill Hill
![David Amos]()
![David Amos]()
![David Amos]()
![Lanny Fleming]()
James Murray
![David Amos]()
![David Amos]()
![Lanny Fleming]()
Rick Rheubottom
![David Amos]()
![David Amos]()
![Lanny Fleming]()
Peter Boone
![Derek Golota]()
![David Amos]()
![Lanny Fleming]()
Kevin Bell
![David Amos]()
![Lanny Fleming]()
Chuck Henault
![Dan LaRiviere]()
![David Amos]()
![Stephen Green]()
Stephen Green
![Lanny Fleming]()
![David Amos]()
![chris bowdler]()
chris bowdler
![Jack Hill]()
![David Amos]()
![chris bowdler]()
Shawn Josephson (formerly known as Truth Dog)
![David Amos]()
![]()
From left, Attorney General David Eby, Environment Minister George Heyman and Premier John Horgan at a news conference in Victoria, Thursday, announcing draft legislation before the provincial court of appeal in a bid to bring in stricter rules for oil moving through the province. (Michael Mcarthur/CBC)
B.C. is asking its highest court to decide if the government has the right to bring in stricter rules for companies looking to ferry more heavy oil — like diluted bitumen — through the province.
That would include crude flowing by way of an expanded pipeline, such as Kinder Morgan's expanded project.
As part of its reference case filed Thursday morning, the province put draft legislation before the court that would amend the Environmental Protection Act with the new regulations.
![]()
Kinder Morgan's Burnaby facility would pump nearly 900,000 barrels of diluted bitumen into tankers each day if the proposed expansion is completed. (Rafferty Baker/CBC)The province is essentially asking the B.C. Court of Appeal if it has the jurisdiction to bring that draft into reality.
"In other words, can we do it?" Attorney General David Eby said Thursday.
It's the latest move in B.C.'s resistance to the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project.
![]()
B.C. Attorney General David Eby, Environment Minister George Heyman and Premier John Horgan all spoke at the announcement from the provincial legislature. (Michael McArthur/CBC)Under the draft, companies hoping to bring more diluted bitumen through B.C. would need a permit from the province.
Companies could also be required to show a spill-response plan in advance.
An independent director would grant the permits, making the decision based on the best scientific research available. The director would also consult with Indigenous groups and the broader public before making a choice.
The new legislation would only apply to the movement of heavy oils, which the province considers to be the highest risk in the event of a spill.
![]()
A kayaker near Cates Park in North Vancouver gazes at the new fencing surrounding Kinder Morgan's marine terminal late last year. (Jon Hernandez/CBC)The proposed legislation would not affect current shipments of diluted bitumen through B.C. It would only apply to companies seeking to expand shipments.
There is no estimate on how long it will take the court to hear the reference case. In Canadian law, governments submit reference questions to the courts to ask for advisory opinion on major legal issues.
Kinder Morgan issued a statement in response to B.C.'s announcement, saying the company is "clear and steadfast" in its goals: clarifying its ability to build in B.C. and protecting its stakeholders.
An emailed statement said the proposed legislation signals the province's "continued intention to frustrate the project."
Premier John Horgan has long said B.C.'s coastline and jobs could be at risk if the pipeline expansion goes through, tripling the capacity of an existing pipeline between Edmonton and Burnaby, B.C.
![]()
That's what B.C. Premier John Horgan had to say about missing Trans Mountain's May 31 deadline. 0:36"We know that British Columbians have a deep, personal connection with our coast, with our fish, with our wildlife," Horgan said Thursday.
"It's our responsibility to defend the interests of British Columbians."
Asked what he'd have to say directly to Kinder Morgan, Horgan said: "I don't work for Kinder Morgan. I work for the people of British Columbia … we have set ourselves on a course — and I'm going to continue to do that."
Alberta is in favour of the project, as is the federal government. The provinces have been sparring over the pipeline for weeks, in a battle that has sparked trade wars and a national summit with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said B.C.'s explanation of its reference case "makes no sense."
"If bitumen were so hazardous, why would we only be looking at the incremental bitumen that's in the new pipeline?" she said Thursday.
"This isn't about environment, this is about the new pipeline."
Notley, a lawyer, said she doesn't believe B.C. has jurisdiction "to do what they are proposing to do."
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe also reacted to the draft legislation, saying the B.C. government is using "whatever tactics they can to slow or stall or stop the investment into the Trans Mountain pipeline."
"With the inaction we see from the federal government in asserting their jurisdiction in this area, the government of British Columbia is having their way if you will," he said.
![]()
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said B.C.'s arguments for new regulations 'make no sense.' (Jason Franson/Canadian Press)Ahead of the announcement, federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna reiterated Ottawa's intention to get the pipeline built.
In a statement addressed to B.C. Environment Minister George Heyman, she outlined environmental measures she says the federal government has already taken to mitigate the damage in the event of a spill, including increased capacity to tow ships and five new emergency response stations.
McKenna also floated the idea of a joint Ottawa-B.C. panel of scientists to enhance existing research on oil spills to address the province's concerns.
The panel would make use of the science available on oil spills, including current examples of how to respond, should a number of different petroleum products spill.
![]()
Environment Minister Catherine McKenna reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project ahead of B.C.'s announcement, saying it's in the national interest to do so. (Colin Perkel/Canadian Press)McKenna also says B.C.'s environment consultations ignored federal programs and policies, which she says explain why Ottawa believes the pipeline is sound.
Kinder Morgan curtailed spending on the $7.4-billion project earlier this month, blaming opposition and delays in B.C.
The company set May 31 as the deadline for the B.C., Alberta and federal governments to find a solution to the impasse. Trudeau has repeatedly vowed that the project will go ahead.
B.C. looks to enact new rules for companies bringing more oil through province
New regulations would require companies to get a permit to increase oil shipments
· CBC News· Posted: Apr 26, 2018 8:38 AM PT Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
Commenting is now closed for this story.
Robert Anderson
BC needs to be cautious of what they wish for. If they want less oil, they may get less oil, much less. Think zero oil, zero gasoline, zero jet fuel, zero diesel fuel, zero natural gas. And they may also want to think about what they plan to export through Alberta. Think zero fruit, zero wine, zero lumber, zero electric power, zero natural gas, all zeros for BC.
David Amos
@Robert Anderson "BC needs to be cautious of what they wish for."
Methinks there are a lot of NDP folks who wish that Horgan had not made a deal with the Greens N'esy Pas?
Methinks there are a lot of NDP folks who wish that Horgan had not made a deal with the Greens N'esy Pas?
Bill Hill
This is a lose/lose for BC, if they lose again, as they have with the previous 14 court challenges, the lose. If they win and the courts decide that they have the right to control the amounts flowing through the pipeline, then it affirms Alberta's right to restrict the flow as well.
David Amos
@Bill Hill Methinks the lawyer Mr. Eby ain't nearly as clever as he thinks he is N'esy Pas?
David Amos
@Bill Hill Does anyone know what Jagmeet Singh the lawyer in a fancy suit but without a seat thinks about all this legal nonsense ? Methinks all I hear is crickets N'esy Pas?
David Amos
@David Amos Oh I get it now. Methinks that this was kinda sorta Jagmeet Singh's idea in the first place N'esy Pas?
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/singh-pipeline-kinder-morgan-morneau-1.4614348
Morneau shoots down Singh's high court proposal to end pipeline standoff
'That ... is not a course of action that makes sense,' Morneau said.
Peter Zimonjic, Kathleen Harris · CBC News · Posted: Apr 11, 2018 12:19 PM ET
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/singh-pipeline-kinder-morgan-morneau-1.4614348
Morneau shoots down Singh's high court proposal to end pipeline standoff
'That ... is not a course of action that makes sense,' Morneau said.
Peter Zimonjic, Kathleen Harris · CBC News · Posted: Apr 11, 2018 12:19 PM ET
James Murray
Don't build the pipeline we don't want your oil, and ahh uhm don't turn off the taps we need your oil.
HBC - Hypocritical British Columbia
HBC - Hypocritical British Columbia
David Amos
@John Walter True
David Amos
@JoanneCartier Methinks we are witnessing the rapid demise of the NDP at both federal and provincial levels. I doubt they will ever win a governmental mandate again in my lifetime and possibly quite awhile after I am pushing up daisies if ever N'esy Pas?.
Rick Rheubottom
Horgan knows he won't get the answer he is looking for.
He is simply going through the delays to hopefully get himself reelected next time around.
Bottom line: we all loose Billions in revenue because of this myopic man's self-indulgence.
Sad, but he will fade away soon enough.
He is simply going through the delays to hopefully get himself reelected next time around.
Bottom line: we all loose Billions in revenue because of this myopic man's self-indulgence.
Sad, but he will fade away soon enough.
David Amos
@Rick Rheubottom "Horgan knows he won't get the answer he is looking for.
He is simply going through the delays to hopefully get himself reelected next time around."
Who is Horgan?
He is simply going through the delays to hopefully get himself reelected next time around."
Who is Horgan?
David Amos
@Rick Rheubottom Methinks a lot of folks should be disappointed in their new leader N'esy Pas?
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/singh-pipeline-kinder-morgan-morneau-1.4614348
"Singh has so far refused to take sides in the escalating feud between Premier Horgan and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley over the pipeline expansion, saying it's a matter for the federal government to resolve."
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/singh-pipeline-kinder-morgan-morneau-1.4614348
"Singh has so far refused to take sides in the escalating feud between Premier Horgan and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley over the pipeline expansion, saying it's a matter for the federal government to resolve."
Peter Boone
BC wants life without oil so why not grant their wish.
Derek Golota
@Jack O Hill ..nope, trains and trucks usually come back half empty from US ( that is why Trump is not happy about it). Folks forget that 95% of BC population resides about 100km from US boarder....most of them already do weekly trips to gas-up and spend some cash. AB will be financially worst off if supply is cut....Washington State will be the winner.
David Amos
@Derek Golota Interesting point but about all the other folks far from the Yankee border? Don't they have a say?
Kevin Bell
What causes more ocean pollution and environmental damage, the pipeline or the raw sewage that the "Greens" and NDP turn a blind eye to for political expediency?
David Amos
@Kevin Bell Methinks I can easily prove that all politicians turn a blind eye to anything for political expediency N'esy Pas?
https://www.scribd.com/doc/2718120/integrity-yea-right
https://www.scribd.com/doc/2718120/integrity-yea-right
Chuck Henault
Build the refinery in Alberta.
Dan LaRiviere
@Chuck Henault
Yes, build a refinery in Alberta. The people of Alberta will have many more jobs when they process the raw material into usable product. More value added and more government revenue. The pipeline would simply pipe and ship away many potential jobs!
Yes, build a refinery in Alberta. The people of Alberta will have many more jobs when they process the raw material into usable product. More value added and more government revenue. The pipeline would simply pipe and ship away many potential jobs!
David Amos
@Dan LaRiviere I agree
Stephen Green
Once again we see the BCNDP John Horgan government placing unjustified barriers against the Alberta Government and the KM pipeline. John Horgan, David Eby, George Heyman are true clots, along with the rest of the protestors.
Interesting to note that the BCNDP has lost an enormous amount of political support as demonstrated by a poll today. Most British Columbians are opposed to the BCNDP and agree that the pipeline should be constructed.
Interesting to note that the BCNDP has lost an enormous amount of political support as demonstrated by a poll today. Most British Columbians are opposed to the BCNDP and agree that the pipeline should be constructed.
Lanny Fleming
@Jack O Hill It's even worse than you think.
On a per capita basis residents of Saskatchewan send $554 more per person than they receive. For Ontario, the number jumps to $650 and is $886 for B.C.
But for Alberta, the difference is eye-popping, almost six times that of B.C. at $5,148.
On a per capita basis residents of Saskatchewan send $554 more per person than they receive. For Ontario, the number jumps to $650 and is $886 for B.C.
But for Alberta, the difference is eye-popping, almost six times that of B.C. at $5,148.
David Amos
@Lanny Fleming WOW
chris bowdler
Canada IS broken..
Jack Hill
@chris bowdler
You are certainly slow on the uptake.
Canada has been broken for over 150 years.
You are certainly slow on the uptake.
Canada has been broken for over 150 years.
David Amos
@Jack Hill Methinks that Confederation did not benefit the Maritimes and Newfoundland was kinda dumb to join the circus after the war was over N'esy Pas?
Shawn Josephson (formerly known as Truth Dog)
Great news for BC and great news for Canada. Tie it up in the courts. You will win in the end even if it goes to the Supreme Court. We can not allow this pipeline project to EVER proceed.
BC Strong!!
Yeah baby!!
BC Strong!!
Yeah baby!!
David Amos
@Shawn Josephson (formerly known as Truth Dog)
Yeah baby!! Methinks its really wise tie it up in the courts until some NDP members quit in disgust and sit as Independents. Then we can all look forward to a really fun non confidence vote N'esy Pas?
Yeah baby!! Methinks its really wise tie it up in the courts until some NDP members quit in disgust and sit as Independents. Then we can all look forward to a really fun non confidence vote N'esy Pas?
B.C. looks to enact new rules for companies bringing more oil through province
New regulations would require companies to get a permit to increase oil shipments
· CBC News· Posted: Apr 26, 2018 8:38 AM PT
B.C. is asking its highest court to decide if the government has the right to bring in stricter rules for companies looking to ferry more heavy oil — like diluted bitumen — through the province.
That would include crude flowing by way of an expanded pipeline, such as Kinder Morgan's expanded project.
As part of its reference case filed Thursday morning, the province put draft legislation before the court that would amend the Environmental Protection Act with the new regulations.
"In other words, can we do it?" Attorney General David Eby said Thursday.
It's the latest move in B.C.'s resistance to the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project.
Companies could also be required to show a spill-response plan in advance.
An independent director would grant the permits, making the decision based on the best scientific research available. The director would also consult with Indigenous groups and the broader public before making a choice.
The new legislation would only apply to the movement of heavy oils, which the province considers to be the highest risk in the event of a spill.
There is no estimate on how long it will take the court to hear the reference case. In Canadian law, governments submit reference questions to the courts to ask for advisory opinion on major legal issues.
Kinder Morgan issued a statement in response to B.C.'s announcement, saying the company is "clear and steadfast" in its goals: clarifying its ability to build in B.C. and protecting its stakeholders.
An emailed statement said the proposed legislation signals the province's "continued intention to frustrate the project."
Premier John Horgan has long said B.C.'s coastline and jobs could be at risk if the pipeline expansion goes through, tripling the capacity of an existing pipeline between Edmonton and Burnaby, B.C.
CBC News BC
Horgan: "I don't work for Kinder Morgan. I work for the people of British Columbia."
00:0000:36
"It's our responsibility to defend the interests of British Columbians."
Asked what he'd have to say directly to Kinder Morgan, Horgan said: "I don't work for Kinder Morgan. I work for the people of British Columbia … we have set ourselves on a course — and I'm going to continue to do that."
Pipeline politics
Alberta is in favour of the project, as is the federal government. The provinces have been sparring over the pipeline for weeks, in a battle that has sparked trade wars and a national summit with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said B.C.'s explanation of its reference case "makes no sense."
"If bitumen were so hazardous, why would we only be looking at the incremental bitumen that's in the new pipeline?" she said Thursday.
"This isn't about environment, this is about the new pipeline."
Notley, a lawyer, said she doesn't believe B.C. has jurisdiction "to do what they are proposing to do."
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe also reacted to the draft legislation, saying the B.C. government is using "whatever tactics they can to slow or stall or stop the investment into the Trans Mountain pipeline."
"With the inaction we see from the federal government in asserting their jurisdiction in this area, the government of British Columbia is having their way if you will," he said.
In a statement addressed to B.C. Environment Minister George Heyman, she outlined environmental measures she says the federal government has already taken to mitigate the damage in the event of a spill, including increased capacity to tow ships and five new emergency response stations.
McKenna also floated the idea of a joint Ottawa-B.C. panel of scientists to enhance existing research on oil spills to address the province's concerns.
The panel would make use of the science available on oil spills, including current examples of how to respond, should a number of different petroleum products spill.
Kinder Morgan curtailed spending on the $7.4-billion project earlier this month, blaming opposition and delays in B.C.
The company set May 31 as the deadline for the B.C., Alberta and federal governments to find a solution to the impasse. Trudeau has repeatedly vowed that the project will go ahead.
With files from Megan Thomas and The Canadian Press