Federal Government Moves to Fast-Track West Coast Oil Pipeline Project

The federal government is moving to designate a proposed oil pipeline to the West Coast as a 'national interest' project, which would allow it to fast-track approvals and skirt some environmental laws. The notice was published in the Canada Gazette on August 1, setting a deadline of September 18 for comments on the national interest designation.

The pipeline project has been referred to the government's major projects office, with the Alberta government listed as the proponent. The pipeline would be owned by Trans Mountain, the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission, and Pembina Pipeline Corporation.

National Interest Minister Dominic LeBlanc will work with the Alberta and B.C. governments on the project while consultations with Indigenous communities are underway. However, critics argue that this designation is a 'corporate welfare' that prioritizes big oil's interests over climate change goals.