Calgary and Edmonton mayors decry 'politicizing' of pipeline debate
原始发布日期： 2016-01-26 发布者：李方字变大 字变小
Edmonton mayor Don Iveson and Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi say the debate over pipelines should adhere to the regulatory process. Gavin Young / Calgary Herald Controversy erupted in the last week after Montreal-area municipalities, led by Mayor Denis Coderre, came out in strong opposition to the Energy East pipeline proposed to ship Alberta oilsands crude to refineries in New Brunswick. On Tuesday, Coderre met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and appeared to soften his stance somewhat, hinting he would be prepared to rethink Calgary-based TransCanada Corp.’s project if the company was more forthcoming with details and prepared to address environmental concerns. Speaking to reporters at the legislature after he and Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi met with the NDP cabinet, Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson said local politicians have to think about what’s best for the country. “Just imagine if we were trying to build a railroad 100 years ago and mayors were saying no. What kind of country would we have?” said Iveson. “I think it’s incumbent on all of us to try to work toward yes. Bring the concerns forward, have them addressed duly through the regulatory process. But politicizing this is not good for the country.” Nenshi acknowledged that Coderre’s job is to raise concerns and “get the best possible deal that he can get.” “But I think what’s really important here, and what I appreciated the Prime Minister saying today, is that there is a process in place. It’s a rigorous science-based process,” he said. “The National Energy Board knows what it’s doing and certainly the Liberal government wants to enhance that process, which is fine, as long as it doesn’t result in unnecessary delay. But we should abide by the process.” Trudeau has promised his Liberal government will overhaul the regulatory review for pipeline projects under the NEB. The prime minister said his government will create a review process whereby energy companies get a chance to prove to cities and towns across the country that a project is in their best interests. With files from Jodie Sinnema, Edmonton Journal and The Canadian Press. (Calgary Herald) |