As the Trans Mountain deadlines loom, there are concerns among Carlton Trail-Eagle Creek MP, Kelly Block, and fellow MPs from across the country about the impacts on the Canadian and Saskatchewan economies if the pipeline is stopped.
The pipeline has been gathering support ahead of the May 31 deadline and people are concerned about whether the project is going forward.
The concerned group took their grievances to Parliament Hill with a rally on May 23. This included members of the Canadian and Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
There are a lot of spin off effects from developing the oil and gas sector that Saskatchewan will miss out on without a pipeline, says Block.
“Back before the last election, the Natural Resources Committee had done a study on the cross Canada economic benefits of the oil and gas industry and there are many small and medium businesses that provide all kinds of support to the oil and gas industry. It’s not just about the communities, the oilsands where the oil is being produced but companies all across the country that support that business.”
Members of the opposition are also concerned about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement that he will use taxpayer dollars to block the pipeline.
“Kinder Morgan never asked for tax payer money or a federal backstop. They only wanted certainty and clarity and a solution to make sure this project goes forward,” says Block.
This is about more than just pipelines, says Perrin Beatty’s, CEO and President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, but speaks about Canada’s ability to get large infrastructure projects done, he said in a press release.
“That’s why we’ve gathered such a diverse group of provincial and territorial chamber presidents, association heads, corporate leaders, union representatives and Indigenous leaders here today, to tell government that they have our support in getting this project built,” said Beatty about the Parliament Hill rally.
And many chambers echo that, said Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce executive director, Stacey Poss in a press release.
“Not allowing this project to go forward will negatively affect our economy now and into the future. Our own Premier Scott Moe understands what the pipeline means to Saskatchewan. It is about getting our product to port in an effective and timely manner to get competitive pricing on the international market.”
According to Beatty and Block, the $7.4 billion pipeline spells growth for the Canadian economy.
“The Trans Mountain Expansion will create thousands of jobs and generate billions of dollars in economic activity across Canada. The taxes and other revenues it generates will help to fund our roads, hospitals and schools.”
