The National Post is Canada’s second largest national paper.
“Brad Wall’s suggestion that central Canadian premiers might be more
amenable to a pipeline through their provinces if it pumped equalization
payments will do little to endear him to his fellow minor league leaders.”
“It’s another example that left-of-centre governments in Canada’s two
largest provinces have lost sight of the need to generate revenue before
they can spend it.” (John Ivison – National Post)
Brad Wall’s suggestion that central Canadian premiers might be more amenable to a pipeline through their provinces if it pumped equalization payments will do little to endear him to his fellow minor league leaders.
The Saskatchewan premier flew in late to St. John’s because of the fires in his province, to join the annual Council of the Federation whinge-fest.
One of the eye-glazing communiqués set for release is a new Canadian Energy Strategy. This was first proposed in 2012 by then-Alberta premier Alison Redford, with the goal of improving market access for Alberta crude. Since her departure from the scene, the lead has been taken by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and the focus has shifted to climate change and green energy.
The new strategy is heavy on increased emphasis on solar and renewable energy and light on commitments to pipelines, according to a draft leaked to the media.
The premiers have been bombarded by calls from environmental groups to ensure there is no role for oilsands growth in the new strategy and those voices appear to have been heard.
Wall has expressed his frustration that the plan suggests an embarrassment about oil and gas “and the investments they make possible.”
He is particularly upset with his counterparts in Ontario and Quebec, who have been cool toward the Energy East proposal by TransCanada, a $12-billion investment that would convert 3000 km of existing natural gas pipeline, augmented by 1400 km of new pipeline from Quebec to refineries in Saint John, N.B.
The Canadian Press reported this week that Philippe Couillard, the Quebec premier, said the climate change policies around the pipeline need to improve before his province can get behind Energy East. Polls suggest two-thirds of Quebecers oppose the pipeline.
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