Quebec to review Enbridge pipeline
"We are in charge of our territory ... it's as simple as that," says provincial environment minister.
The Canadian Press
Posted: Nov 15, 2012 2:37 PM ET
Last Updated: Nov 15, 2012 2:15 PM ET
Operations coordinator Doug Rotzien works at the Enbridge Pipelines oil terminal facility in Hardisty, Alta. A proposed pipeline would reverse the flow of a link already in operation between Montreal and North Westover, Ont.
(Larry MacDougal/Canadian Press)
Quebec's new government wants to conduct its own review of the proposed Enbridge pipeline.
The province wants to ensure the suggested pipeline follows Quebec laws and environmental regulations. The project is also being reviewed on the federal level by the National Energy Board.
The pipeline would reverse the flow of a link already in operation between Montreal and North Westover, Ont.
Instead of transporting imported oil into Canada, the pipeline flow would be reversed to send domestic oil from Western Canada to consumers in Central Canada.
Alexandre Cloutier, the Parti Québécois minister for Canadian intergovernmental affairs and minister responsible for sovereign governance, said the government wants to consult the people directly involved in the project.
Environment Minister Daniel Breton, who has concerns about oil spills, said Quebec wants more information on the Enbridge project before deciding to approve it.
"We are in charge of our territory, we must have our say," he said. "It's as simple as that."
Breton said he wants Quebec to participate in hearings by the National Energy Board.
He criticized the previous provincial Liberal government for not being more involved in the file.
Breton said no decision has been made on which provincial agency will be responsible for the consultation but Natural Resources. Minister Martine Ouellet said Quebec will pay close attention to the deliberations of the National Energy Board.
"We will have to analyze the impact of the project," she said.
Interim Liberal Leader Jean-Marc Fournier said he's fine with the idea of more environmental monitoring.
But he said he hopes the PQ hasn't already decided against the project.
Share Tools
Latest Montreal News Headlines
- Oklahoma tornado recovery work begins after deadly storm
- Recovery efforts are underway after a tornado flattened two elementary schools and many homes south of Oklahoma City, leaving 24 people dead, including seven children. U.S. President Barack Obama responds by promising federal aid and other help.
more »
- Gary Carter honoured with Montreal street name
- The memory of baseball hero Gary Carter will be commemorated by the City of Montreal today with the renaming of a street in Villeray. more »
- Business conference draws creative minds to Montreal
- Over the next three days Montreal will welcome some of the biggest names in the business world. more »
- Man in his 50s hit by truck in Laval
- Laval police are investigating after a 55-year-old man was hit by a truck in the Chomedy district this morning. more »
- Thousands push for rejection of Bill 14
- A petition against the controversial language bill will be presented before Quebec's national assembly today. more »
Must Watch
Top News Headlines
- Oklahoma tornado recovery work begins after deadly storm
- Recovery efforts are underway after a tornado flattened two elementary schools and many homes south of Oklahoma City, leaving 24 people dead, including seven children. U.S. President Barack Obama responds by promising federal aid and other help.
more »
- 'Very upset' Harper wants fast Senate spending reform
- Prime Minister Stephen Harper told the Conservative caucus this morning that he's "upset" about the recent conduct of some senators and his own office, and he wants Senate spending rules tightened quickly. more »
- Children driven around too much, Canadian report suggests
- Fewer Canadian kids are commuting by walking or biking as a new report reveals a marked decline among young people using active modes of transportation. more »
- Keith Boag: Have you heard about the murderous abortion doctor?
- The gruesome trial and murder conviction of Philadelphia abortion provider Dr. Kermit Gosnell is unlikely to change American abortion law, Keith Boag writes. But it has U.S. journalists questioning their priorities and how they cover such a sensitive issue. more »
- Schoolchildren describe Oklahoma tornado terror
- Schoolchildren and their teachers got a sudden lesson in survival after Monday's deadly tornado levelled two schools in Oklahoma City and nearby Moore, Okla. more »
Most Viewed/Commented
- Quebecer dead in Mexico after scuba diving incident
- 4-year-old girl attacked by dog in l'Assomption
- Woman arrested in LaSalle stabbing
- New fake-RCMP computer scam fools Canadians
- Mohawk Girls series tells stories of once 'voiceless' women
- Luka Magnotta trial date set for fall 2014
- Fire destroys historic church in Eastern Townships
- Apartment fire kills 1 in Rivière-des-Prairies
- Construction hotspots to avoid on May long weekend
