Review process could end deadlock but comes with risks

CALGARY, AB Jan. 27, 2016 – DYLAN JONES, PRESIDENT OF THE CANADA WEST FOUNDATION, ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S ANNOUNCEMENT ON RESOURCE REVIEW PROCESSES:

The federal government’s announcement that it will impose new conditions on the resource project review process could break the national deadlock over pipeline approvals if it is executed well.

Recovery of the national economy depends on getting these pipelines built but we also need to accept that this will not happen without public support. What will be critical now is everyone stepping up to the plate so we do not face further delays. Everyone involved will need to consider not just their local interest but also the national interest.

Much depends on the execution of the Liberals’ plan and, in particular, their ability to engage fully with indigenous leaders in a short time frame.

Further, the federal government will need to exercise great caution not to be seen to be using the consideration of “upstream GHG emissions” in the pipeline decisions as a hammer in intergovernmental negotiations on climate change. This could damage the core contract of Canadian federalism – mutual respect for jurisdiction.

The Canada West Foundation focuses on the policies that shape the West’s quality of life. For more than 40 years, we have been a passionate advocate for western Canada.

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