Federal Pipeline Decisions and Impacted AAMDC Resolutions

On November 29, 2016, the federal government announced final decisions with respect to several proposed inter-provincial pipeline proposals and the presence of crude oil tanker traffic along British Columbia’s northern coast. The decisions are as follows:

• Approval of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, which will twin the existing Trans Mountain pipeline between Edmonton and Burnaby, BC
• Dismissal of the Northern Gateway Pipeline Project application, which would have built a new pipeline from Bruderheim, AB to Kitimat, BC
• Announcement of a crude oil tanker moratorium (ban) on BC’s north coast
• Approval of the Line 3 Replacement Project, which will replace an existing pipeline from Hardisty, AB to Gretna, Manitoba that serves as a link to US markets.

The AAMDC and its members have advocated to both provincial and federal governments for the construction of additional pipelines from Alberta to tidewater ports, and for the ability of tankers to transport Alberta petroleum products. In fact, the AAMDC has active resolutions impacted by several of these decisions.

Resolution 13-16F: Northern Gateway Pipelines Support

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties advocate to the Government of Canada in support of the Northern Gateway Project and market access; and

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties collaborate with the Government of Alberta and other municipal associations to request that the Government of Canada conduct new consultations with Indigenous communities along the pipeline route prior to approving or denying the Northern Gateway Project; and

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties collaborate with the Government of Alberta and other municipal associations emphasizing the local, provincial, and national benefits that the Northern Gateway Project would provide and encourage support for the Project to be shared publicly.

Resolution 16-16F: Support for Continuation of Crude Oil Tanker Activity Along the Northern Coast of British Columbia

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties advocate to the Government of Canada  expressing support for continued  tanker activity along the northern coast of British Columbia.

Unfortunately, the government announcements on the Northern Gateway Project and the tanker moratorium do not support the requests made in these resolutions.

The AAMDC is pleased with the Government of Canada’s approval of the Trans Mountain Expasion Project and the Line 3 Replacement Project, both of which will improve market access for Alberta’s oil and gas resources.

The AAMDC will continue to advocate on the importance of pipeline development to Alberta’s economic sustainability.

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