File photo.
The CEO of Kinder Morgan says he’s open to talking investment by Alberta in the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, but only if the company is assured construction will be completed.
In a media conference call Monday morning, Kinder Morgan’s Steve Kean said they are willing to discuss Alberta Premier Rachel Notley’s suggestion Sunday that her province could invest in the project to get the pipeline finished.
But Kean added there needs to be a clear political signal that there won’t be additional delays.
Kinder Morgan suspended all non-essential activities and spending Sunday, saying the B.C. government needs to change its position opposing the project or the federal government must step in to decide on the matter.
The company has a May 31 deadline for talks with “various stakeholders” to let the expansion continue.
Although the federal and Alberta governments are pushing for B.C. to change its stance, Horgan says he won’t end the NDP’s promise to do what it can stop the project, committed to protecting the province’s interests.
“What we have is a government that is openly in opposition (of the project) and has re-affirmed that opposition very recently,” Kean said.
“It’s outside of our control. It needs to come either from the federal level or at the provincial level.”
Kinder Morgan has spent around $1.1 billion on the project, which is budgeted for $7.4 billion.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has insisted the pipeline will be built but faced stiff opposition from protesters on a visit to Victoria and Vancouver last week.
Those opposed to the pipeline that would triple the amount of oil flowing from Alberta to Burnaby say the impact would be devastating in the event of an oil spill in west coast waters.
Trudeau argued Friday in Fort McMurray, Alberta, that a balance between economic and environmental concerns can be achieved.
With files from the Canadian Press.
Andy Neal
