Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project Ministerial Panel Named

OTTAWA, May 17, 2016 /CNW/ – The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced that Ms. Kim Baird, Mr. Tony Penikett and Dr. Annette Trimbee will comprise the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project Ministerial Panel.

The panel is tasked with engaging communities and local Indigenous groups and reviewing feedback that will be provided online regarding the project and project-related issues. The panel’s work starts in June and concludes in November with a report to Minister Carr, which will be made public.

The Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion project (TMX) panel engagement process and report complements the National Energy Board’s (NEB) recommendation report and Environment and Climate Change Canada’s assessment of upstream greenhouse gas emissions, which was added to the Government’s TMX decision-making process in January as part of the announcement of interim principles for major projects. In addition to the panel’s engagement, Natural Resources Canada will undertake additional Crown consultations with Indigenous peoples. Both the NEB’s recommendation report and Environment and Climate Change Canada’s assessment of upstream greenhouse gas emissions are due by May 20, 2016.

As the Government advances plans for NEB modernization, it has implemented an interim approach with five principles that allows Canadians to provide additional information and views relevant to the proposed project in advance of the Government’s final decision in December 2016. The five interim principles are:

1. No project proponent will be asked to return to the starting line — project reviews will continue within the current legislative framework and in accordance with treaty provisions, under the auspices of relevant responsible authorities and Northern regulatory boards;
2. Decisions will be based on science, traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples and other relevant evidence;
3. The views of the public and affected communities will be sought and considered;
4. Indigenous peoples will be meaningfully consulted, and where appropriate, impacts on their rights and interests will be accommodated; and
5. Direct and upstream greenhouse gas emissions linked to the projects under review will be assessed.

Quotes

“The panel members reflect the experience, perspective and understanding of local issues and relationships needed to advise the Government as we advance the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project to a final decision in December. Ms. Baird, Mr. Penikett and Dr. Trimbee form a capable team charged with discussing important and difficult issues with Canadians affected by this project. I encourage communities, Indigenous groups and citizens to engage the panel and let their views on the project be known so the Government can make decisions that reflect the interests and needs of Canadians.”

Jim Carr
Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources

Associated Links

NEB Project website – http://www.neb-one.gc.ca/pplctnflng/mjrpp/trnsmntnxpnsn/index-eng.html

Panel Member Biographies – http://mpmo.gc.ca/measures/264

Panel Terms of Reference – http://mpmo.gc.ca/measures/262

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