Today, TransCanada filed an application with the National Energy Board for approval of its massive oil pipeline project called Energy East.
The problem with that is that the resources, independence and credibility of the National Energy Board were ruined by the Conservative government last year.
The decision to go ahead or not will be made by the Conservative cabinet members, regardless of what the independent inquiry finds. This “independent” board has never turned down a project.
Moreover, this pipeline will not benefit the Canadian economy because it will allow multinational companies to exploit our natural resources without considering the environmental impacts and without having to pay significant royalties to the Canadian people.
In Quebec, TransCanada employees maintain that according to their most optimistic estimates, overall operations in Quebec (including pipeline maintenance and oil port operations) will create only 203 jobs at best.
They are also asking us to accept a significant increase in tanker traffic on the St. Lawrence River due to the export of crude oil from the oil sands.
The time has come for us to stand up against this senseless project that goes against our economic and environmental interests and that would remain in operation for at least two generations.
TransCanada will not pass.
Alex Tyrrell
Leader of the Green Party of Quebec
