CALGARY, ALBERTA – 9 APRIL 2018 – The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) is deeply concerned about Kinder Morgan’s decision to suspend all non-essential activities and related spending on the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP).
“This decision by Kinder Morgan is clearly the result of actions by the Government of British Columbia to frustrate a project that has already been approved by the regulator, federal and provincial governments. The facts and evidence gathered through that process have not changed,” said Chris Bloomer, President and CEO of CEPA.
The project has already been deemed to be in the national interest by both the prime minister and the federal regulator after years of reviews that were unprecedented in their depth and stringency. The project has also received an Environmental Assessment Certificate from the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office. In addition, Kinder Morgan negotiated in good faith and achieved an unprecedented agreement with B.C. to provide a significant investment worth up to $1 billion. Finally, the Government of Canada has made significant commitments and investment in coastal and environmental protection under the Oceans Protection Plan.
Foreign investment is critical for Canada to remain competitive. The current uncertainties created by those who seek to subvert the rule of law undermine Canada’s ability to attract capital to grow the economy and provide jobs and prosperity for Canadians.
“CEPA calls on the federal government to use ‘every tool in the toolbox’ to ensure the expansion by Trans Mountain,” said Chris Bloomer. “The project is now at a critical juncture where immediate concrete actions by the federal government are needed to ensure absolute certainty that the project will be built.”
Federal and provincial leaders must resolve the current impasse and signal to the world that Canada remains open for business.