Government of Canada Receives National Energy Board Report on the Trans Mountain Expansion Project

OTTAWA, May 19, 2016 /CNW/ - Throughout our history, natural resources have made a significant contribution to our nation's prosperity. Canada will continue its work to ensure that our resource sector remains a source of growth, employment, and new opportunities in a world that increasingly values sustainable practices.

The Government of Canada today received the National Energy Board's (NEB) recommendation report for the proposed Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project.

Following an environmental assessment and regulatory review, the NEB has recommended approval of the project, with 157 conditions.

The Government of Canada will continue its efforts to restore public trust in our regulatory processes and environmental assessments, because without the trust of Canadians, none of the pipeline projects will move forward. That is why the Government will consult with Indigenous peoples who will be impacted along the pipeline route, and will use a recently named Ministerial Panel to sit down and listen to the concerns of Indigenous peoples and affected communities.

Environment and Climate Change Canada also today released its draft assessment of the upstream greenhouse gas emissions for the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project – in keeping with the interim approach to the review of major projects announced in January 2016. The draft assessment is now open to the public for a 30-day comment period.

The Government's final decision is expected on or before December 19, 2016, and will take into consideration the NEB recommendation report, consultations with Indigenous peoples, public input from the Ministerial Panel, and the comments received on the draft assessment of upstream greenhouse gas emissions.

Canadians know that the economy and environment go hand in hand. The Government of Canada will grow the economy, get our resources to market, and increase our prosperity, while we protect the environment and preserve our planet for our children and grandchildren.

Quote

"This government has made it a priority to restore the public's trust in the way major resource projects are reviewed. In keeping with the principles announced in January, we will conduct deeper consultations with Indigenous peoples and hear from the public. We will consider the results of these consultations, the NEB recommendation report, the upstream greenhouse gas emissions assessment and the additional input we will receive from the Ministerial Panel before making our final decision."

Jim Carr, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources

Quick Facts

• These requirements reflect the interim approach for major projects announced by the Government of Canada on January 27, 2016.
• The five interim principles are:

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.

Related Links

National Energy Board Report on the project: http://www.neb-one.gc.ca/pplctnflng/mjrpp/trnsmntnxpnsn/index-eng.html  
Draft Upstream Greenhouse Gas Assessment: http://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/document-eng.cfm?document=114550  
News Release on Ministerial Panel: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=1066679&tp=1 

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

Alexandre Deslongchamps, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources, 343-292-6837; Media Relations, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, 343-292-6100