Weaver and Wilkinson talk Trans Mountain in Kamloops

Apr 13, 2018 | 4:31 PM

KAMLOOPS — As the premiers of B.C. and Alberta prepare to meet with Prime Minister Trudeau this weekend about the halted Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion project the leaders of B.C.’s Green and Liberal parties are weighing in on the issue. 

Kinder Morgan announced on Sunday it would be suspending all non-essential activities and spending on the project, the decision largely based on on-going protests and the B.C. Government’s opposition. 

Speaking in Kamloops Friday, B.C. Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson says Premier John Horgan has not been representing the best interests of British Columbians. 

“It’s a federally approved project,” he said. “It received provincial approval because of five conditions that the BC Liberals put on the project, and it’s time for us to abide by the constitution of Canada and get on with the project. Instead, Andrew Weaver and Premier Horgan are playing games with this and trying to obstruct the project in ways that are simply not in accordance with the laws of Canada.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has insisted the project, which would triple the capacity of the current pipeline between Alberta and Burnaby, will go ahead. 

However, Kinder Morgan has limited time to come to an agreement with various stakeholders to allow the project to continue. 

B.C. Green Party leader Andrew Weaver says he questions the economics of the pipeline. 

“It’s not clear to me anyway where the market is for Kinder Morgan given that the diluted bitumen, which they hope to ship was going to largely go to California, which could be served by served by an extension off the Keystone XL,” Weaver said. “I think we’re seeing an exit strategy by Kinder Morgan and I see the government of Alberta, and the government of Canada negotiating in public and I think Mr. Horgan is doing a brilliant job standing up for the rights of British Columbians.”