The Conservative government recently approved Enbridge’s Northern Gateway pipeline subject to 209 conditions. What do you think of this decision?

Cory Hann Conservative strategist “Getting Canadian oil to markets is vital to our economy, and our government relies on independent scientific advice and analysis when making decisions about energy infrastructure projects. We have been clear that projects will only move forward if they are safe for Canadians and safe for the environment. “The National Energy Board Joint Review Panel conducted a rigorous, independent, science-based review, hearing from more than 1,450 participants in 21 communities and reviewing over 175,000 pages of evidence and 9,000 letters. The Joint Review Panel reported that this project is in the public interest and could be constructed safely, provided 209 conditions are met. “Unlike Justin Trudeau, who opposed Northern Gateway before the regulator even released its report, our government carefully reviewed their report, and accepted the independent regulator’s recommendation to impose 209 conditions on Northern Gateway Pipeline’s proposal. We know oil doesn’t get to market by itself, and we know budgets don’t balance themselves—that’s why Canadians are better off with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.” Ian Wayne NDP strategist “It was no surprise that Conservatives ignored mounting opposition and rubber-stamped Enbridge’s Northern Gateway Pipeline project. It was a surprise to see the Natural Resources minister timidly approving the project via press release, seemingly wanting to gloss over the fact. “A spokesperson for the minister even tried to spin the Conservatives’ clear ‘yes’ as a muddy ‘maybe’! Once heralding this project as some kind of bitumen-moving panacea, Conservatives are now reduced to ducking for cover. “The reality is Conservatives have mismanaged this from the start—they failed to properly consult First Nations, failed to listen to the people of B.C., and have failed utterly when it comes to properly managing resource development. “When it comes to First Nations, the federal government has a clear constitutional duty to consult—something Conservatives have failed to live up to. In fact even its own lead negotiator said it was the Conservative government that dropped the ball. “Resource industries, developed in a sustainable way, can be a huge economic benefit for Alberta, Western Canada and our entire country. But the Conservatives’ shortsighted approach will export our jobs and raw resources out of Canada. “Unlike the erratic positions taken by Mr. Trudeau’s Liberals, the NDP won’t support the massive pipeline project Keystone XL, which also risks our environment while exporting away tens of thousands of jobs. “In the end, this decision is wrong for B.C., wrong for Canada and, if elected in 2015, Tom Mulcair and the NDP would set aside this bad decision.” Tisha Ashton Liberal strategist “The Liberal Party of Canada stands unequivocally opposed to the Northern Gateway Project. “Canada needs responsible and sustainable ways to get our natural resources to market. However, Northern Gateway doesn’t meet the criteria. “The associated threat of a catastrophic oil spill would place our coastal economy and the environment at risk. It would endanger the livelihoods of Canadians in industries from fishing to tourism. On top of this, Northern Gateway doesn’t have the consent of communities along the way. “British Columbians and a range of local indigenous communities have examined the costs and benefits of Northern Gateway and rejected it. The Government of British Columbia remains opposed to the project and is set to withhold provincial permits. Residents of Kitimat, B.C.—a community that would see significant oil tanker traffic under this project—voted against the pipeline in a referendum earlier this spring. Even Doug Eyford, the Conservatives’ special envoy on West Coast energy issues, has blamed the federal government for not properly consulting indigenous communities on this project. “Instead of listening to legitimate concerns about Northern Gateway, the Conservatives have bullied their opponents and weakened Canada’s environmental laws in order to push this pipeline through. “Liberals recognize the need to get Canada’s oil to market. We support the sustainable development of the oil sands and responsible infrastructure projects like Keystone XL. “We understand that getting these projects done requires a federal government that can work cooperatively with others in the national interest. It requires strong environmental protections and the trust of indigenous peoples and local communities. The Northern Gateway Project doesn’t pass this test.” Nicholas Gall Green strategist “The Harper Conservatives’ approval of this preposterous scheme had been a foregone conclusion for three years before the announcement on June 17, so in our view the decision itself isn’t all that significant. “What is far more significant is the way in which Canadians from all walks of life and from all parts of the country have joined together in saying no to this dangerous pipeline. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May has been at the forefront of this movement from the very beginning. “Unlike the other federal opposition parties, the Green Party remains resolutely opposed to any dilbit pipeline project. Dilbit is not ‘energy’—it is unprocessed oil sands bitumen mixed with toxic chemical diluent so that it can flow through pipelines, and be shipped (along with Canadian jobs) to overseas refineries. “In addition to the enormous environmental risks associated with transporting dilbit, these pipeline projects do almost nothing to improve Canada’s energy security or to create Canadian jobs. Yet the NDP support a dangerous west-to-east pipeline, and the Liberals are vocal proponents of Keystone XL. “Only the Green Party has taken an unequivocal stand against transporting dilbit, and in favour of clean energy investment, putting a price on carbon, and refining and obtaining value-added here in Canada.”

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The Conservative government recently approved Enbridge’s Northern Gateway pipeline subject to 209 conditions. What do you think of this decision?

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