Government of Canada Advances Line 3 Replacement Program Decision Process Under Interim Principles

OTTAWA, April 25, 2016 /CNW/ - The National Energy Board (NEB) today released its recommendations report on the proposed Line 3 Replacement Program. The NEB's report concludes that the Line 3 Replacement Program is in the overall Canadian public interest and that with the implementation of mitigation measures, including the NEB's conditions, the project is unlikely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

In keeping with its commitment to restore confidence in Canada's regulatory processes, the Government will now review the NEB's Line 3 report, engage with Indigenous peoples along the pipeline route and seek additional public input before making a final decision in fall 2016.

Also, as per the interim principles announced in January 2016, greenhouse gas emissions for the project have been assessed and a 30-day comment period on Environment and Climate Change Canada's greenhouse gas emissions draft analysis is now open. Following that period, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources, will launch a website for the public to comment on the overall project.

To date, the NEB has undertaken a science-based environmental assessment and regulatory review of the Line 3 Replacement Program, taking into account the potential impacts on safety and the environment and comments and evidence submitted by Enbridge, commenters and intervenors.

In January 2016, the Government announced that project reviews must further satisfy five principles:
1. No project proponent will be asked to return to the starting line — project reviews will continue within the current legislative framework and in accordance with treaty provisions, under the auspices of relevant responsible authorities and northern regulatory boards; 
2. Decisions will be based on science, traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples and other relevant evidence;
3. The views of the public and affected communities will be sought and considered;
4. Indigenous peoples will be meaningfully consulted, and where appropriate, impacts on their rights and interests will be accommodated; and
5. Direct and upstream greenhouse gas emissions linked to the projects under review will be assessed.

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"Project reviews and consultation must be thorough to carry the public's trust. Now that the NEB has completed its review, the Government will take additional steps to determine if the project is in the national interest. This process includes Natural Resources Canada officials undertaking additional Indigenous consultations, and I welcome the views of communities and the public as we move toward a final decision this fall."

Jim Carr
Canada's Minister of Natural Resources

Related Links
National Energy Board Report on the project: http://www.neb-one.gc.ca/pplctnflng/mjrpp/ln3rplcmnt/index-eng.html 
ECCC Draft Greenhouse Gas Analysis: http://www.ceaa.gc.ca/050/details-eng.cfm?evaluation=80091 
Major Projects Management Office: https://mpmo.gc.ca/measures/258

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

Laurel Munroe, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources, 343-292-6837; Media Relations, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, 343-292-6100