Canada Takes First Step Towards Fast-Tracking Proposed West Coast Oil Pipeline

The Canadian government has started the process to fast-track a proposed pipeline that would carry about 1 million barrels of Alberta crude per day to the West Coast. The plan involves Trans Mountain Corporation, the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission, and Pembina Pipeline Corporation owning the pipeline through a new jointly owned entity.

According to the Canada Gazette, the roughly 1,250-kilometre pipeline would run from Bruderheim, Alberta, to a deepwater port near Delta, British Columbia. The government has set a September 18 deadline for the public to comment on the plan.

The move drew criticism from environmental groups and opposition politicians, who accused the government of moving at 'breakneck speed' without due oversight. New Democratic Party leader Avi Lewis called the project 'corporate welfare on a surreal scale,' noting it is not financed mainly by the private sector.