canadian perspectives
The Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion will have an affect on many Canadians. This includes some advantages and disadvantages once the projects starts. For instance, some politicians view it as a way to increase the overall gross domestic product (GDP) for Canada. On the other hand, there are also those who view the pipeline expansion as a risk to the community and the environment.
chief lee spahan
chief of the coldwater indian band
“The existing Kinder Morgan pipeline was built through our reserve, and above our aquifer, at a time when it was illegal for us to vote or hire a lawyer. Due to its location the expansion poses even greater risk to our drinking water. The Crown’s decision to put our drinking water at risk merely because Kinder Morgan does not want to consider another viable, but more costly, alternative route through our territory is profoundly troubling” (Vancouver Sun, 2017).
christy clark
british columbia's premier
“...our job is, is to stand up for British Columbia. It’s to fight to make sure our coasts, our land base, our communities are protected and benefiting from any change in the movement of heavy oil across our province” (News 1130, 2017).
chris bowcock
deputy chief of the burnaby fire department
“A tank fire occurring in that facility, because of the proposed density, could extend to multiple tanks to the forested area of the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. The real risk is a fire occurring in the facility, extending to the tree tops of the forested area and through the tree-tops across Burnaby Mountain. People would be trapped at SFU while the forest burned, and the firefighters would have to battle the blaze from uphill, the most dangerous vantage point” (Burnaby Now, 2015).
lisa helps
victoria's mayor
Lisa Helps, Victoria’s mayor, said she hopes Trudeau is right and that enough safety precautions will be taken to prevent a spill on the coast. “It’s obviously disappointing. It’s disappointing for Victoria, it’s disappointing for British Columbia and I think it’s disappointing for many Canadians who really don’t think that you can be a climate action leader at the same time that you approve pipelines” (Times Colonist, 2016).
justin trudeau
canada's prime minister
“The decision we took on the Trans Mountain pipeline was based on facts and evidence on what is in the best interests of Canadians and indeed, all of Canada. Regardless of the change in government in British Columbia or anywhere, the facts and evidence do not change. It will create the kind of growth that benefits all our citizens, not just our wealthiest” (Yahoo News, 2017).
charlene aleck
councilor for the tsleil-waututh nation
“I'm not surprised ... I'm sincerely disappointed. This is not just our backyard, this is literally in our kitchen ... It's definitely the beginning of a long battle ahead for us” (CBC News, 2016).
art hilstad
resident living near the burrard inlet
“They said, 'Oh no, nothing to worry about.' The spills, well, the spills happen on a pretty regular basis” (CBC Radio, 2016).
mary moran
ceo, calgary economic development
“The Trans Mountain pipeline expansion supports the responsible production of energy for global customers and, among the considerable benefits for Canada, this crucial infrastructure project will provide a foundation for much-needed jobs in Alberta as we diversify the markets for our oil exports” (Trans Mountain Blog, 2016).
bikramjit kanjilal
lead in marine development on the TMEP
“I believe in doing things well and you can’t do things well if you are unsafe. You have to make sure that you and the people around you, the ship and the cargo are safe so you can deliver as promised and keep the environment safe. It’s everybody’s responsibility to ensure safety is maintained on the BC coast. We all value what we have here, so it’s important that everyone remains involved in ensuring the continued safety of British Columbia waters” (Trans Mountain Blog, 2014).
anita huberman
ceo, surrey board of trade
“Today’s federal government approval of the expansion project is great news for our local economy. We support responsible resource development and fostering new trade opportunities, and believe this project will create significant benefits for the City of Surrey and Metro Vancouver by increasing revenue and opening up new opportunities for our workforce” (Trans Mountain Blog, 2016).
gregor robertson
vancouver's mayor
“I — along with the tens of thousands of residents, local First Nations, and other Metro Vancouver cities who told the federal government a resounding 'no' to this project — will keep speaking out against this pipeline expansion that doesn't make sense for our economic or environmental future” (Global News, 2016).