The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) says it will file for intervener status in the legal case over the Trans Mountain pipeline project. The CTF says it will argue on behalf of taxpayers’ interests to build the pipeline. File photo from CBC.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) says it is “going to bat for taxpayers” as it lobbies to build the Trans Mountain pipeline by joining the legal fight over expansion.
In a release Monday morning, the CTF says in the coming weeks it will be filing for intervener status in the B.C. government’s reference case, which was filed in a provincial appeal’s court to determine who has jurisdiction over the flow of bitumen through the province.
“Our modern way of life and our economic prosperity depend on oil and gas in Canada and the B.C. government should stop blocking this federally approved pipeline,” CTF B.C. Director Kris Sims said in a statement.
“Without access to affordable oil and gas, people in B.C. won’t be able to drive to work, the cost of everything will surge and they won’t be able to pay the taxes that our governments impose on us. This pipeline needs to be built – we cannot afford to play these games.”
In efforts to derail the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, the NDP government is asking the court to decide if it has authority to regulate oil flowing through the province.
The court will review amendments to the provincial Environmental Management Act and determine if oil spills would endanger human health, the environment and communities.
The pipeline expansion would triple the amount of oil delivered between Edmonton and Burnaby.
The federal government announced last week it will be intervening in the reference case to give its argument to proceed with construction.
Kinder Morgan stopped spending on the $7.4 billion project, citing active opposition from B.C. and premier John Horgan for construction delays and needing to take action to protect its shareholders.
The company has given governments until May 31 to resolve the pipeline dispute.
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