The CEO of the Major Projects Office (MPO) in Canada anticipates reaching a decision on a bitumen pipeline to the West Coast within four to five months. Dawn Farrell, leading the MPO, addressed the environment committee to discuss Canada’s emissions reduction strategies.
During the committee session, Conservative MP David Bexte inquired about the timeline for assessing Alberta’s proposal as a national interest project. Farrell expressed her aspiration for a four to five-month timeframe, although she couldn’t provide a precise answer.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the projected timeline as lengthy, advocating for immediate approval. Poilievre emphasized the need for the federal government, along with Mark Carney, to facilitate the approval process by granting permits promptly to attract substantial private investments for pipeline construction.
Prime Minister Mark Carney established the MPO to streamline the approval process for major projects, aiming to expedite their development. The MPO considers various proposals, including infrastructure projects like highways, railways, airports, and pipelines, evaluating their alignment with specific criteria.
Proposals submitted to the MPO undergo scrutiny against five primary benchmarks focusing on enhancing Canada’s autonomy, driving national economic benefits, ensuring project success, advancing Indigenous interests, and contributing to climate change goals. Once a project meets the criteria, the MPO recommends it to the responsible minister for inclusion in the Building Canada Act.
The revamped system aims to reduce approval timelines to two years, promoting efficiency in project development. Alberta’s Premier, Danielle Smith, announced plans to submit an application for a new pipeline project, citing challenges posed by existing regulations on oil tankers in northern British Columbia waters.
Smith highlighted the province’s commitment to the project, allocating funds and leading a technical advisory group comprising major pipeline companies. While no specific route has been proposed yet, Alberta intends to explore potential routes as part of its project planning.
B.C. Premier David Eby raised concerns over pitching a pipeline before securing a proponent, cautioning against jeopardizing community support for coastal development projects. Despite Eby’s reservations, Poilievre emphasized the federal government’s authority in approving such projects, dismissing Eby’s dissenting stance.