NDP calls on feds to halt threats, seek clarity from the Supreme Court in pipeline dispute

OTTAWA – NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh lambasted the Liberal government for its aggressive threats surrounding the Trans Mountain pipeline dispute. On Wednesday, Singh called on the Feds to partner with British Columbia, First Nations, and Alberta to seek greater clarity from the Supreme Court of Canada.

“Let’s be clear, the Liberals created this mess when they broke their promise to overhaul the environmental review system and adopted Harper’s process instead,” Singh said. “And instead of cleaning up their own mess, they are now threatening punitive sanctions against BC including cuts to healthcare transfers. This is not the approach Canadians voted for.”

Following the decision by Kinder Morgan to suspend work on its Trans Mountain pipeline, the Liberal government has ramped up threats to force the pipeline through regardless of outstanding concerns from British Columbia and First Nations. Singh called these threats “divisive and unhelpful” and instead urged the government to work with all parties and submit a reference to the Supreme Court on the lingering questions of jurisdiction.

“The province of British Columbia has offered to work with the Federal government to submit a reference case to the Supreme Court of Canada,” Singh said, “This would provide much needed clarity to all involved, and in fact it’s one of the primary functions of the Supreme Court throughout our history. Instead of further dividing Canadians, let’s find ways to move forward together.”