Trans Mountain pipeline ruling shakes central pillar of Trudeau agenda
OTTAWA — On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau painstakingly explained to students in Kapuskasing, Ont., how the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project is a central pillar of his government’s agenda.
Less than 24 hours later, the Federal Court of Appeal quashed the government’s approval of the project, imperilling the pillar holding up Trudeau’s signature promise to tackle climate change by balancing economic growth and environmental protection.
Moreover, it underscored a gap between rhetoric and action when it comes to Trudeau’s oft-stated vow to make reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples his top priority.
The court found that the National Energy Board’s environmental assessment of the project was fatally flawed because it ignored the potential impact of increased tanker traffic off British Columbia’s coast. It also ruled that the federal government had not fulfilled its duty to meaningfully consult with affected Indigenous groups.