‘Stop the regulatory merry-go-round:’ Alberta ministers to fight C-69 in Ottawa – Notley tells Pipeline Conference

CALGARY — Alberta’s energy and environment ministers are heading to Ottawa to push for changes to federal legislation that would overhaul energy project reviews.

Premier Rachel Notley made the announcement today in a speech to the International Pipeline Conference in Calgary.

She says Energy Minister Marg McCuaig-Boyd and Environment Minister Shannon Phillips will make Alberta’s case to the Senate in the hope of getting Bill C-69 fixed.

The bill, which is still under consideration in the Senate, would create a new Impact Assessment Agency and replace the National Energy Board with the Canadian Energy Regulator.

It introduces new timelines and specific steps that companies and government will have to take in order for new energy projects to go ahead.

Notley told reporters that she supports the intent of the bill, but that it hurts Alberta and creates uncertainty in its current form.

She adds it does so without any regard for efforts the province has taken to reduce carbon emissions.

Notley calls the legislation a major overreach into the province’s right to develop and control its own resources.

“We need to stop the regulatory merry-go-round, not supercharge it,” Notley said.

The Canadian Press