A group of British Columbia First Nations is seeking to challenge the federal government's second approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project in Canada's highest court.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney applauded a court decision on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, clearing another legal hurdle in the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project and offered some kind words for the prime minister.
Although First Nations can "assert their uncompromising opposition" to a fossil fuel project like an oil pipeline, they can't "use the consultation process as a means to try to veto it," said the Federal Court of Appeal.
The Federal Court of Appeal is set to release its decision on the latest challenge of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion on Tuesday, February 4, 2020.
The federal government is studying the best options for Indigenous communities to reap economic benefits from the Trans Mountain pipeline but Ottawa is not planning to sell the project while legal and political risks remain.
“The Supreme Court of Canada has upheld the rule of law and put an end to the British Columbia government’s campaign of obstruction against Alberta energy," declared Alberta Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer.
Lawyers at Ecojustice plan to argue in front of the Supreme Court this week that environmental protection is an underlying principle of the Constitution, just like democracy and human rights.
