Calgary – The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) said in a release on June 12 it is deeply disappointed by the federal government’s decision to reject critical amendments to Bill C-69, which were the result of extensive, open and honest consultations with Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Those consultations, along with a comprehensive review of the Bill by the Senate, led to nearly 200 amendments which the government has, in large part, ignored. The changes that have been made are marginal and do not go far enough to provide certainty and decrease risks for project proponents and investors.
“If Bill C-69 passes in its current form, it is difficult to imagine that any major new pipeline projects will be proposed or built in the future,” says Chris Bloomer, president and CEO of CEPA. “This is not only an industry issue—it will hurt all Canadians, as the lack of investment could cost the country billions of dollars in revenue that fund vital social services.”
CEPA has been clear from the beginning that our suite of amendments must be accepted in full to achieve a project review process that is workable for future pipeline development. Yet, the government’s changes do not take into consideration our significant concerns around key issues including timelines, ministerial discretion and public participation.
“We have been collaborating with lawmakers for three years to create legislation that would provide the clarity, predictability and certainty needed to ensure responsibly-produced Canadian resources can be provided to the world,” says Bloomer. “This bill falls short and is simply the wrong move for Canada.”
CEPA said that with this proposed legislation, the federal government risks losing one of Canada’s key economic drivers—an industry that is innovative, technologically advanced and world-leading in its responsible development of natural resources and provides good-paying, middle class jobs to thousands of Canadians.
CEPA said it encourages Senators to consider re-introducing the critical amendments when the bill returns to the Senate.
