Enbridge pipeline not in Canada’s best interest: former environment minister

VANCOUVER – A former federal environment minister has taken aim at the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline, arguing the project is not in Canada’s best interest and that Enbridge is the least trustworthy company to get the job done.

But David Anderson did not agree with his aboriginal and environmentalist counterparts’ harsh words for the position taken by B.C.’s premier, instead saying Christy Clark is playing her cards right.

Last week, Clark walked out of talks at an annual premiers’ meeting that included discussion about creating a national energy strategy, declaring Alberta must negotiate sharing economic benefits before she even considers supporting the project.

Both Clark and opponents of the pipeline agree Alberta stands to gain the lion’s share of economic benefits while B.C. takes on most of the environmental risks.

But Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, who heads the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, says Clark needs to know that no amount of money will sway activists’ opposition and that a fight against the project could include native blockades.

Federal environmental hearings are continuing for the $6-billion pipeline, which would flow crude from Alberta’s oil sands to a port on B.C.’s west coast for export to Asia.