Locals have mixed feelings on federal pipeline purchase
Yesterday’s announcement by Finance Minister Bill Morneau that the Liberal government intends to purchase the Trans Mountain pipeline project from Kinder Morgan for $4.5 billion is generating mixed reactions.
The controversial pipeline expansion has been under scrutiny by the B.C. government, environmentalists and Indigenous communities since it was announced, and is responsible for tensions between B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and the federal Liberal government. Battlefords Lloydminster M.P. Rosemarie Falk said the government has once again dropped the ball on this project. Falk said she has concerns that the price may be higher than what was announced.
“I certainly see this as a huge mistake by the Liberals, because it will be put on the backs of the taxpayers,” Falk said. “It’s $4.5 billion now, but we have asked the question in the House, ‘what will the total cost be?’ and we have yet to get a dollar figure.”
The original cost of the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline was expected to reach $7.4 billion and create an estimated 15,000 jobs during construction. The Alberta government has said since it has a vested interest in the project being completed, it would provide an emergency fund to cover any cost overruns.