Goldsmith-Jones says pipeline approval will be balanced by improved safeguards

“This is a decision based on rigorous debate on science and evidence. We have not been and will not be swayed by political arguments”.

Trevor Tombe, an economics professor at the University of Calgary, said that Trans Mountain would help oil producers reap higher prices by exporting to the Asia market, with even a $5 a barrel price increase translating to about $5 billion a year in extra revenue.

The project would triple the capacity of the line and increase the number of tankers in Vancouver-area waters seven-fold.

Trudeau noted it’s the twinning of an existing pipeline that has been in operation since 1953.

In contrast, Northern Gateway would have been an all-new pipeline.

The news quickly spread on social media and led to a protest outside the CBC studios in downtown Vancouver, where hundreds of people, including First Nations leaders, marched in opposition to the government’s decision. According to one observer, there are 59 First Nations opposing the Trans Mountain pipeline, and they can take the matter to court, they can organize protests, and do everything else in their powers to stop the project.

Ottawa’s decision to instruct the National Energy Board to deny another, larger pipeline proposal that would have cut through B.C.to the northern coastline was also unsurprising.

The Trans Mountain Pipeline was initially built in 1953 and has a current capacity of moving 300,000 barrels of oil a day, which requires 441 tanker railways to transport.

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson took to Facebook to voice his displeasure, calling it a huge step backwards for Canada’s economy, as well as the environment and climate change. “We’ll watch closely and make our plans accordingly to ensure that we’re safe and protected”. “If Justin Trudeau agrees that the Great Bear Rainforest is no place for a pipeline, he can’t possibly think that the Salish Sea is better”.

The pipeline is expected to be a key issue in May’s B.C. election, potentially putting Notley at odds with her NDP colleagues as they challenge Clark’s Liberal government. The province on Tuesday also pledged to continue its own environmental assessment, to be completed “soon”.

Critics say approving the Trans Mountain pipeline isn’t compatible with Trudeau’s climate change commitments, with aboriginal organizations vowing to fight it in court and on the ground.

British Columbia Premier Clark announces support for Kinder Morgan’s (NYSE:KMI) Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, ignoring the anger that erupted in the province following yesterday’s federal approval of the project and showing that Prime Minister Trudeau is building a strong coalition to untangle Canada’s pipeline gridlock.

If anyone could stomach listening to Premier Christie Clark’s speech the day after the announcement, it is obvious – or, as politicians like to say, “clear” – that she also gives this project thumbs up.

Clark said B.C. requires more details on the federal government’s ocean protection plan and reassurance that British Columbians will get a fair share of the project benefits.

“I have been advancing the perspective of Vancouver Quadra constituents since many years ago on these issues and, at a certain point, a government needs to make a decision on what they believe is in the national interest and this is the decision that’s made”, said Joyce Murray, a former B.C. environment minister.

Since she announced her five conditions on the construction of oil pipelines, Ms. Clark has always left the door open to reject Kinder Morgan.