The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Canada’s recently established Major Projects Office (MPO) expressed her expectation for a decision on a bitumen pipeline to the West Coast within a timeframe of four to five months. Dawn Farrell, the CEO of the MPO, addressed inquiries from the environment committee regarding Canada’s plans for reducing emissions.
During the committee session, Conservative MP David Bexte inquired about the timeline for evaluating Alberta’s proposal to determine its eligibility as a project of national interest. Farrell stated that while she couldn’t provide a definitive answer, her goal was to conclude the assessment within four to five months.
However, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Farrell’s projected timeline as being too lengthy and advocated for immediate approval of the pipeline project. Poilievre emphasized that by granting a permit, the federal government and Mark Carney could facilitate the influx of private investments totaling billions of dollars for pipeline construction.
Prime Minister Mark Carney established the MPO as a centralized platform to streamline the approval process for major projects, aiming to expedite their realization. The scope of projects covered by the MPO includes infrastructure like highways, railways, ports, airports, pipelines, mineral extraction sites, nuclear facilities, and electricity transmission systems.
Various entities such as provinces, territories, Indigenous groups, municipalities, and private corporations can submit project proposals to the MPO for assessment against specific criteria. These criteria focus on enhancing Canada’s autonomy, providing national benefits, ensuring project success, supporting Indigenous interests, and aligning with climate change goals.
Upon qualifying a project, the MPO recommends it to the responsible minister for inclusion in Schedule One of the Building Canada Act, designating it as a project of national interest. The new approval framework aims to significantly reduce the approval timeline to a maximum of two years.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently announced plans for a new pipeline project and pledged to submit a formal application. Alberta will lead the proposal due to industry hesitance caused by existing federal regulations, such as the restrictions on oil tankers in northern B.C. waters. The province has allocated $14 million for the initiative and is collaborating with a technical advisory group comprising major pipeline companies.
B.C. Premier David Eby raised concerns about the premature pipeline pitch by Alberta, emphasizing the importance of securing community support and environmental approvals before advancing such projects. However, Poilievre dismissed Eby’s opposition, highlighting federal jurisdiction over pipeline approvals and advocating for prioritizing project development.