The B.C. Court of Appeal has ruled against the B.C. government’s proposed legislation to imposed environmental laws aimed at limiting the flow of increased amounts of heavy oil into the province. The court found that the legislation would be in direct conflict with federal jurisdiction over inter-provincial pipelines.
The decision was made unanimously by the five judges on the court.
The legislation was part of the provincial government’s efforts to shut down construction of the Trans Mountain Expansion Pipeline (TMEP).
“Today the B.C. Court of Appeal ruled in favour of Canada and its Constitution. No one province should have the ability to hold the rest of the country hostage,” said Tim McMillan, president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP).
“This judgement helps temper the uncertainty about the future of Trans Mountain and Canada’s ability to export its natural resources. Now it’s the federal government’s turn to make sure construction begins immediately after consultations end on June 18.”
CAPP notes the unanimous and expedient decision by the Court of Appeal is an important ruling. The B.C. government must respect the federal government’s jurisdiction over national projects and stop interfering with TMEP to the detriment of all of Canada, including B.C.
