NOTLEY – ‘As Canadians, we’re all now in this together’

As you may have seen, there was a major step forward today in getting the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion done. Thanks to all of us working together, construction on this pipeline resumes now.

With support from the Government of Alberta, the Government of Canada has bought the pipeline from its original owner. As Canadians, we’re all now in this together. The pipeline expansion in the national interest, which is why it received federal approval, and each of us as Canadians now own it.

This makes it doubly important to get it built. So we can create the jobs and increased government revenue it will generate. And make a profit from this public investment.

We all suffer because Canada has only one real customer—the United States—for energy products. It means we’re forced to receive a lower price, which means less money for health care, schools, roads and public transit across Canada. That’s why we need to get Canadian energy to Canadian tidewater through an expanded Trans Mountain pipeline, and why we will.

After one of the most exhaustive environmental reviews in Canadian history, the federal government approved the Trans Mountain Pipeline because it is in the national interest. Trans Mountain will create tens of thousands of jobs, ensure Canadians get fair value for our oil in international markets and help keep us moving forward on our climate change commitments.

It’s also why the federal government, with support from Alberta, has chosen to purchase the pipeline, to make sure it is built after receiving lawful federal approval. For Canada to keep working, we need to ensure projects in the national interest can’t be delayed or prevented by minority extreme voices in one province.

That’s another reason I’m writing today. Canada is more than a concept. We’re a country that needs to act in the national interest, and so I urge you to continue to use your voice to make the case—to federal MPs, your MLA especially if you live in British Columbia, your neighbours, coworkers and classmates—that no other country would deny a major industry access to world markets. And nor should our country, with its environmentally responsible energy industry and so many jobs at stake.

The courts agree. And public opinion agrees, across Canada and in British Columbia, but this is no time to relax. Together, we need to continue to win hearts and minds, because we’re in this together, as Canadians and now owners. Let’s get this done.

Sincerely,
RACHEL NOTLEY,
Premier of Alberta