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VICTORIA — Here is some of the reaction in British Columbia to the decision by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government to approve the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion:
“Today’s decision by the federal government sends a clear message to John Horgan and the NDP: The time for obstruction is over — their government needs to get out of the way and support this project.” — B.C. Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson.
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“It’s a very sad day for B.C., for Canada, and I think Mr. Trudeau walked himself into a corner, was unable to back out of the corner, didn’t make the right decision and will now try to continue to justify as the protests continue forward, because this isn’t over.” — Green party Leader Andrew Weaver.
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“British Columbia is projected to receive $5.7 billion in revenue from the project over the next 20 years to the benefit of communities throughout B.C., including First Nations and Indigenous communities. But ‘approved’ does not mean ‘built.’ We need to see a solid plan to complete the project, in order to realize these benefits and send the message to the world that B.C. is open for business.” — Val Litwin, president and CEO of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce.
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“After careful consideration, analysis, and a rigorous environmental assessment, cabinet has rightfully chosen to forge ahead with this project, given the critical importance of this infrastructure to our national economy. We applaud the federal government for making this decision. It is high time that we move forward, collectively as Canadians, to build this infrastructure and get our natural resources to international markets.” — Iain Black, president and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.
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“Let me say to British Columbians who value our environment, who cherish our coast, who expect their government to stand up for their interests, we will not abandon our responsibility to protect our land and our water.” — B.C. Environment Minister George Heyman.
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“This decision ignores the public safety and environmental threat to people whose lives and property will be at risk if the project goes forward. I am extremely disappointed — but not surprised — that the government of Canada has put oil industry profits ahead of the lives of Burnaby’s residents and our firefighters. Prime Minister Trudeau once said that governments grant permits but communities grant permission. On behalf of Burnaby council, I can assure you that we do not grant permission.” — Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley.
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“Whether it has this approval or not, the path forward for Trans Mountain will not be an easy one. When the federal government bought the pipeline from Kinder Morgan, they tried to solve one problem and created a whole host of others. The federal government now wears many hats, some of which create a conflict: the proponent, the decision-maker, the enforcer of its own laws, and a fiduciary to First Nations, to name a few.” — Staff lawyer Eugene Kung of West Coast Environmental Law.
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