Thoughts on BC Politics and More

Energy Minister Tim Hodgson is brushing off questions over whether the Liberal government will repeal the tanker ban in BC's northern waters, calling them "hypothetical" since Alberta has not formally submitted a pipeline proposal for consideration. Speaking to reporters Friday afternoon in Montreal, Hodgson addressed Alberta's announcement that it plans to pitch a new bitumen pipeline to the northern coast of BC — a move that drew a sharp rebuke from BC Premier David Eby. "What we've said is that if Alberta wants to be a proponent [and] they want to put the money forward to work as a proponent for a pipeline, that's their right to do," Hodgson said ... CLICK HERE for the full story 

“ We appreciate the federal government’s second approval of this existing project. This approval is an important milestone for Alberta, and for Canada. The decision was made on the merits of the project that is supported by the majority of Canadians. Approving the TMX pipeline is a step forward for economic growth and prosperity ” Those words from Alberta Premier Jason Kenney following the announcement, a short time ago by Justin Trudeau, that Trans Mountain was going ahead. Those words however were guarded, as he went on to say, “ But approval is not construction and, regrettably, for far too long this project has been mired in uncertainty. TMX has been through countless months of consultation and a lengthy and rigorous review process. The immediate test is the start of construction, with shovels in the ground and real progress. Success will be measured by one thing alone: completion of this pipeline .” An extensive regulatory process was begun by Kinder Morg...

Good morning ... and I hope your Victoria Day Long Weekend is going well.   Another seven days have passed with over two dozen commentaries posted, including a record number for a Saturday ... four. We’ve talked about timber sales ... we’ve talked about the Tanker Ban in the Senate ... Suits and Boots have added the Canola farmers to their organization ... and the upcoming Quest Sawmill closure in Quesnel, by Tolko Industries. Other topics this week included debt and deficits with the federal Liberal party of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ... and the upcoming Money Laundering inquiry that Premier John Horgan’s NDP government has finally been pressured into calling. Of all the topics we discussed this past week, here are the top 10 that had the highest readership: #10 ... This is an important first victory, but our battle (to sink the tanker ban) hasn’t yet been won ... http://acuriouslookatpoliticsinbc.blogspot.com/2019/05/this-is-impo...

The Senate committee has rigged these hearings to ensure that most of the testimony comes from coastal supporters of Bill C-48. Don Braid ~~ Calgary Herald   ~~ March 23, 2019 The committee will travel to Terrace and Prince Rupert, B.C. But the senators have twice voted down pleas to hold hearings in Alberta and Saskatchewan. On Friday NDP Leader Rachel Notley sent a letter asking the Senate to reconsider. She urged Albertans to do the same. “They don’t think the people of Alberta should be heard . . . I gotta tell you, this is kind of an unprecedented stampede of stupid,” Notley said.... CLICK HERE to read the full story : ‘ Stampede of stupid ’ hardly covers the arrogant belligerence of the Senate Committee on Transport and Communications. The Senate is failing its duty to consider the interests of all provinces and Canadians. It is very curious that the Committee on Transport and Communications is vetting Bill C-48 rather tha...