Saskatchewan Senator Pamela Wallin believes there are uncertainties in the assessment process for pipelines proposed in Bill C-69 and no clarity on Indigenous consultation. As Senate ramps up its discussions on both bills, Wallin says if they pass as is, it would have a negative economic impact on Saskatchewan because it makes it more difficult to entice investment in Canada when there is no clarity on regulations. She adds that Saskatchewan has been through an onslaught of events with oil prices falling, jobs being cut, the Northern Gateway pipeline nixed, grain transportation stalled by rail, and the Prime Minister’s trip to India not solving any tariff issues with pulse crops.
Wallin understands the federal government is trying to bring more transparency and be more environmentally responsible, but she believes the regulations are unclear and will only muddy the process. Bill C-69 is a 400 page bill that is supposed to ensure energy resources get to markets responsibly and Bill C-48 blocks tankers from loading or unloading on British Columbia’s north coast. Wallin says the Senate will review the Bills and could send recommendations for changes, but if the rejection of almost all of the cannabis legislation amendments the Senate made is an indicator, it could be problematic.