By Conner Toffan

Local reaction to NEB Trans Mountain Pipeline report

Feb 22, 2019 | 4:41 PM

Medicine Hat, AB — Following the recommendation from the National Energy Board (NEB), two government officials are calling for the Canadian government to approve of the Trans Mountain Pipeline.

The report from the NEB concluded that the project is in the “Canadian public interest.”

Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner MP Glen Motz believes the report is a success, but progress towards approving the pipeline was not accelerated.

“It doesn’t get us any closer to actually building a pipeline,” said Motz.

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The decision now lies with Trudeau and the liberal government.

“The ultimate decision still rests with the Trudeau liberal government and it’s cabinet. And they’re the ones that stalled the construction in the first place,” said Motz, “It’s important for Canadians to appreciate that this project was approved already. Not only by the liberal government, but also by the NEB in 2016,” said Motz.

Locally, Motz believes that the pipeline can have a positive impact in his riding.

“We have thousands of people in the riding and certainly in Medicine Hat whose employment and businesses are directly related to our energy sector,” said Motz, “it has a huge impact on people here. Unemployment is high here, people are losing there jobs and have lost their jobs. Companies are forced to go out of business.”

Along with Motz, Conservative MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat Drew Barnes is calling for the approval of the pipeline.

“Prime Minister Trudeau needs to approve this pipeline and make it happpen. And Premier Notley and the NDP need to stop playing games,” said Barnes.

“Let’s not forget that we’re here today because of Justin Trudeau and Rachel Notley’s failed policy. This pipeline, it doesn’t change going ahead unless Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has the courage to make it happen,” said Barnes.

Barnes believes it’s important for the people of Medicine Hat that the government approves the pipeline.

“We need this pipeline so we can get back to work, so we can take care of each other and take care of our community,” said Barnes, “Alberta and Canada, we are the very best oil and gas producers in the whole world. The safest, the most environmentally friendly. So every barrel of oil, in a world where the demand for oil is growing, that doesn’t come from Alberta means it’s being produced in a worse way,” said Barnes.

The Canadian government will now have 90 days to decide whether or not to approve the pipeline. It is expected, however, that this deadline will be extended.