Alberta ‘Let Down,’ Says Notley As Alberta Pulls Out Of Federal Climate Plan

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Alberta Premier Rachel Notley says that the province is pulling out of the federal climate plan as a result of Thursday’s Federal Court of Appeal decision to quash federal approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline.

“I have always said that protecting our environment and growing our economy can and must go hand in hand. That’s why we established a made-in-Alberta climate plan that creates jobs, lowers emissions and sets our economy on a stronger, more diversified foundation,” she said Thursday evening.  “Yet, as important as climate action is to Alberta’s future, I have always said that taking the next step and signing on to the federal climate plan can’t happen without the Trans Mountain pipeline.

“And so, today, I am announcing that with Trans Mountain halted until the federal government gets its act together, Alberta is pulling out of the federal climate plan.

 “And let’s be clear – without Alberta, that plan isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.”

The premier added: “Albertans are angry. I'm angry. Alberta has done everything right and we have been let down.”

The combined result of the actions taken by the Harper government, the current federal government, the National Energy Board (NEB) and the Federal Court of Appeal means that the current state of affairs in Canada is such that building a pipeline to tidewater is practically impossible, she said.

“So the time for Canadian niceties is over. Earlier today, I spoke to the prime minister and told him that Ottawa must take the following actions. First, the federal government must immediately launch an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada,” Notley said.  “Even more importantly, Ottawa must immediately recall an emergency session of Parliament to assert its authority and fix the NEB process as it relates to this project to make it clear that marine matters have been and will be dealt in a different forum.

 “Then Ottawa needs to roll up its sleeves and continue its work to protect our coast and improve consultation and accommodation relating to Indigenous peoples in the way they deserve.

 “Our sovereignty and our economic security depend on it.”

Trans Mountain is currently taking measures to suspend construction related activities on the project in a safe and orderly manner. The court decision was not a condition of the transaction between KML and the federal government.

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