Harper says independent panel, not political criteria will decide pipeline fate
August 07, 2012 - 2:48 PM
VANCOUVER - Prime Minister Stephen Harper says science, not politics, will decide the fate of a controversial pipeline project between Alberta and B.C.
However Harper added that a pipeline between the two provinces is of vital interest to both Canada and British Columbia as the gateway to Asian markets.
Harper sidestepped reporters' questions about the feud between B.C. and Alberta over the Northern Gateway pipeline project, saying the pipeline was subject to an independent environmental review process.
He says the government doesn't pick and choose such projects.
Harper spoke with Premier Christy Clark about the issue, but wouldn't say what was said, telling reporters simply there would be no discussion about how to divide hypothetical oil revenues.
The prime minister says his government will be making investments to ensure it is able to provide surveillance and mitigate environmental risk connected to any pipeline spills.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012