Announcing our decisions on major energy projects in Canada

Last fall, we promised Canadians we would build an economy that works for them and their families, and protect the environment so we can leave a better, cleaner country to our kids. We said major pipelines could only get built if we had a price on carbon pollution and strong environmental protections in place. We said Indigenous peoples must be respected, and be a part of the process. We also said that we would only approve projects that could be built and run safely.

Keeping those commitments was at the heart of our decision-making as we announced decisions on several key energy projects this week:

First, we approved the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Expansion Project. This pipeline will twin a line that’s been in operation since 1953 - extending from Edmonton to Burnaby, BC. It will create 15,000 new, middle class jobs – the majority of them in the trade - and get Canadians back to work, put food on the table for middle class families, and grow and strengthen our communities.

Second, we approved the Line 3 Replacement Project. This project replaces an aging pipeline – which runs from Hardisty, AB to Gretna, MB – that’s in dire need of replacement. It will create 7,000 new jobs for tradespeople, and give much-needed hope to those in the conventional energy sector, who have suffered a great deal over the past few years. Once completed, the new infrastructure will increase efficiency, improve workplace and environmental safety, and ensure that the latest technology is in place to prevent leaks.

Third, we rejected the Northern Gateway Pipelines Project. It’s become clear that this project is not in the best interests of the local affected communities, including Indigenous peoples. The Great Bear Rainforest is no place for a pipeline, and the Douglas Channel is no place for oil tanker traffic.

Finally, we announced that we will keep our commitment to implement a moratorium on crude oil tanker shipping on British Columbia’s north coast. This moratorium – coupled with the rejection of the Northern Gateway Pipeline – will protect thriving, unique ecosystems and abundant, sustainable local economies from the devastating impacts of a spill.

We are doing all of this because we know the world is changing, and Canada must change with it. Climate change is real. It is here. And it cannot be wished or voted away. These decisions will help provide the growth and resources we need to spur Canada’s clean energy transition. This transition will take investment, and it won’t happen in a day. We need to create good middle class jobs and strong growth to pay for it. We owe it to ourselves to make our economy more competitive, and to our kids to leave them a cleaner environment.

This week, we took a strong step in that direction.