Trans Mountain pipeline approval prompts anger, promises to protest in B.C.

VANCOUVER – British Columbia First Nations, environmental groups and politicians opposed to the $6.8-billion Trans Mountain pipeline expansion are promising to continue their battle against the contentious project.

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said in a statement that he was “profoundly disappointed” by the federal cabinet’s decision to approve the expansion on Tuesday, calling it a “big step backwards” for Canada’s environment and economy.

“I — along with the tens of thousands of residents, local First Nations, and other Metro Vancouver cities who told the federal government a resounding ‘no’ to this project — will keep speaking out against this pipeline expansion that doesn’t make sense for our economic or environmental future.”

The project would triple the capacity of the Trans Mountain pipeline, from 300,000 to 890,000 barrels a day, and would add 980 kilometres of new pipe along the route from near Edmonton to Burnaby, B.C.

It would also increase the number of tankers leaving Vancouver-area waters from five to 34 per month, prompting fierce opposition from local mayors and First Nations who say any risk of a diluted-bitumen spill is unacceptable.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the project would be approved with 157 conditions at a news conference. He said he expects the decision to be “bitterly disputed” by a number of people, but said the project is in Canada’s best interests.

“If I thought this project was unsafe for the B.C. coast, I would reject it,” he said.

Premier Christy Clark has insisted her government would not allow new pipeline construction unless five conditions were met, including a “world-leading” marine spill response regime. Earlier this month, Trudeau announced a $1.5-billion ocean-protection plan.

B.C. Environment Minister Mary Polak said the province will continue to work to ensure each of its conditions are met.

“Because we have taken that clear and principled approach to stand up for our province, we have seen the proponent and the federal government take actions, including Ottawa’s recent Ocean Protection Plan,” she said in a statement.

Clark wasn’t available to comment on Tuesday, but Trudeau issued a statement saying he spoke with the premier on the phone after the announcement and they agreed on the importance of a balanced approach for the development of natural resources along with environmental protection and the creation of jobs.

The premier’s office later said Clark invited Trudeau to come to B.C. to make the case for the decision.

John Horgan, Leader of B.C.’s Opposition NDP, said Clark had failed to protect the province’s coast. The project undermines climate change goals and threatens endangered orca populations, he said.

North Vancouver’s Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the City of Vancouver already have legal challenges before the courts.

Delegates from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation travelled to Ottawa on Monday to urge Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr to reject the project.

On Tuesday, Charlene Aleck, a spokeswoman for the First Nation, accused Trudeau of breaking his promise of a “renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with indigenous peoples.”

“They are making a big mistake. We will not allow this pipeline to be built,” she said.

Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan said he was “disappointed and depressed.” He said his city remains adamantly opposed and was seeking legal advice on how best to continue to fight the expansion.

Sven Biggs of the environmental group Stand.earth said a new phase in the struggle against pipelines would now begin, with the movement escalating to the streets, the courts and the ballot box.

An “emergency rally” was planned for Tuesday evening in Vancouver. A recent protest against the project in the city attracted thousands.

The business community in B.C. was pleased. Ian Black, president and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, said the project will generate more than $1-billion in construction spending and create thousands of high-paying jobs.

Kinder Morgan Canada called the approval a “landmark decision that affirms both the strength of the project and the rigour of the review process it has undergone.”

Trudeau also announced his government has rejected the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline and formalized a moratorium on crude oil tankers on B.C.’s north coast. The news was met with celebration from those First Nations opposed and environmental groups.

The West Coast Environmental Law Association said the rejection proves communities can stop pipelines.

— Follow @ellekane on Twitter.