Dunvegan – Central Peace – Notley MLA Marg McCuaig-Boyd is applauding the federal government’s purchase of the Trans Mountain Pipeline. Alberta’s Energy Minister argues the move means more certainty the expansion project will move forward.
“This deal puts people to working building the pipeline right away, creating good jobs, and it means incredible economic benefits not only for Alberta but for the whole country. No Canadian pipeline project has ever had this level of certainty.”
The sale still needs to be approved by Kinder Morgan’s shareholders. If so, the Alberta government has agreed to invest up to $2 billion to cover unforeseen circumstances. However, McCuaig-Boyd stress they will only have to pay once the project is done.
“That investment will only be payable once oil begins to flow through that pipeline, and at this point our investment would be converted into equity.”
McCuaig-Boyd sees benefits to people in northern Alberta, especially skilled workers looking for jobs. During her time in her constituency last week, she says she heard a lot of support for the stance Premier Rachel Notley has taken on the pipeline project.
“By getting this pipeline going, we’re going to be able to provide work for a lot of our young people, and that’s going to bring value to all of our communities that we live in. We know that when our energy industry’s strong, we’re strong as a province and we’re strong as Canada.”
Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau says the government doesn’t intend to own the pipeline long-term, and will work to find a buyer at an appropriate time. McCuaig-Boyd says she’s confident they will find one, saying she’s spoken to many people who are interested.