Indigenous groups had contested the Canadian Government’s decision to approve TMEP on the ground they were not adequately consulted about the pipeline and its effects on their land and the environment.
In its decision, the court said the record showed there had been a “genuine effort” to take into account the key concerns of the groups involved and, while the applicants may have believe their concerns had not been fully met, “to insist on that happening is to impose a standard of perfection, a standard not required by law”.
In a statement released after the decision, Trans Mountain Corporation President and CEO Ian Anderson said the company was pleased with the decision.
“After many years of consultation and review we are pleased to be able to continue moving forward and building the project in respect of communities, and for the benefit of Canadians,” said Mr Anderson.
“The Government of Canada’s additional Indigenous consultation represented an immense undertaking by many parties.
“The government was committed to a specific and focused dialogue with affected Indigenous communities to ensure Canada, and the company heard their concerns and responded.”
The project will expand the existing 1,150 km crude oil pipeline that runs between Strathona County, Alberta and Burnaby, British Columbia, increasing its capacity from 300,000 to 890,000 bbl/d.
Following a range of regulatory and environmental issues that halted its development, construction resumed in December 2019 after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave the pipeline the green light.
The TMEP has been estimated to cost approximately CA$7.4 billion (US$5.7 billion).
For more information visit the Trans Mountain website.
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