May 22, 2010
B.C. reluctant to support Kitimat pipeline
By Markus Ermisch, Calgary Sun
B.C.‘s energy minister is reluctant to fully support Enbridge’s proposed oil pipeline to an export terminal in Kitimat.
But the project, which is encountering massive resistance from First Nations and environmental groups, could benefit Alberta’s neighbour, Blair Lekstrom told the Calgary Sun on Friday.
“I certainly support the concept of it if it can meet the most stringent environmental regulations and the processes that it has to go through,” the minister said.
“We always look to diversify our markets, without question. That’s key to success for any province or country. And for that reason, I think, there are benefits to this project.”
But there are question marks about the projects, including an unwritten moratorium on oil tanker traffic off the B.C. coast.
Lekstrom said he is aware of the moratorium, but pointed out that ship traffic off the coast falls under federal jurisdiction.
Federal NDP energy critic Nathan Cullen, whose riding includes Kitimat, said despite the fact the moratorium is unwritten and stems from a policy directive dating back to 1972, it likely reflects federal policy.
“There is nothing in the laws that we can find that says (oil tankers heading to Kitimat are) breaking the law,” he said. “Is it breaking federal policy? Probably. Is it going to break a social contract? Definitely. That’s the question we’re now engaged in here at the north coast.”
