OTTAWA – The federal government is delaying its decision on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project until June 18.
Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi says the extended deadline will give the government more time to complete its consultations with Indigenous groups.
The National Energy Board endorsed an expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline on Feb. 22, starting the clock on a 90-day period for Ottawa to make a final call.
That established May 22 as the original deadline.
Construction of the pipeline expansion was put on hold last year after the Federal Court of Appeal ruled the board failed to consider marine impacts and the government needed to do more Indigenous consultation.
The NEB report in February made 16 new recommendations for the government, including implementing measures to reduce ferry noise, adding incentives and establishing requirements for quiet vessel design.
Note to readers: This is a corrected story. An earlier version said the original deadline was May 23.