Ottawa Advances West Coast Pipeline as National Interest Project

Ottawa has taken the first step in designating the Alberta-backed West Coast pipeline as a national interest project. The pipeline, which would carry over one million barrels of crude oil per day from Bruderheim, Alta., to a port near Delta, B.C., is a central component of an energy agreement between the federal and Alberta governments.

The government's notice states that Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc will work with the Alberta and B.C. governments on the project while consultations with Indigenous communities are underway.

Alberta Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean welcomed the development, but noted it is just one step in the process. 'We're encouraged by the Canada Gazette notice, but it is just one step in the process to determine whether the project will be listed as a Project of National Interest,' he said.

However, environmental groups and opposition leaders have expressed concerns about the pipeline's impact on the environment and Indigenous communities. Julia Levin, an associate director at Environmental Defence, criticized the government for quietly beginning this process during a long weekend.

NDP Leader Avi Lewis called the pipeline project 'corporate welfare on a surreal scale' and pointed out that it is not being backed primarily by the private sector.