Canada’s Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to Clearance of Trans Mountain Oil Pipeline Expansion

Canada’s Federal Court of Appeal Tuesday dismissed a problem to government clearance of the Trans Mountain oil pipeline expansion (TMX), clearing some ambiguity from the project.

The courtroom stated PM Justin Trudeau’s authorities held “reasonable and significant” consultations with indigenous teams as ordered by law.

Parties get 60 days to appeal to Canada’s Supreme Courtroom.

Congested pipelines have forced the Alberta provincial authorities to curtail production to cut back an excess that has pressured costs, leading to layoffs.

Two years ago, Ottawa bought the 67-year-old pipeline, which operates from Alberta to the British Columbia coast, to ensure growth proceeded. The venture under construction would practically triple capacity to 890,000 barrels per day by the third quarter of 2022.

The duty for governments to seek the advice of indigenous people on resource initiatives doesn’t amount to denial, the panel stated.

Natural Resources Minister Seamus O’Regan stated the ruling exhibits that “if consultations are significant and in good faith you get things done” in Canada.

Four indigenous groups had alleged that Ottawa listened half-heartedly to concerns, which embody potential spills and damage to endangered killer whales.

A court ruled two years ago that Ottawa had not properly consult indigenous tribes, prompting new consultations before the federal government reapproved the expansion in last June. In September 2019, the Court of Appeal agreed to hear recent allegations that the government fell short again.

Trans Mountain is one of three initiatives, along with TC Energy’s Keystone XL and Enbridge’s Line 3, which have been halted for years.