That’s why I take at face value the contention by a number of Liberals that it is not a question of whether the pipeline will go ahead, but of how
Following his pledge to build the Trans Mountain pipeline, noted Star Wars fan Justin Trudeau is in an existential moment. Like Luke Skywalker trying to summon up the Force, he must do or not do. In the immortal words of Yoda, there is no try.
The consequence of failure is the collapse of his entire economic and environmental framework, not to mention reputational damage from which he might never recover.
That’s why I take at face value the contention by a number of Liberals that it is not a question of whether the pipeline will go ahead, but of how. Still, nobody is placing bets on the mechanics of a resolution.
The government did itself no favours by holding a two-hour emergency cabinet meeting Tuesday, after which ministers scurried off as if they were part of a witness protection program.
The only indication the looming constitutional crisis is of more than mild concern to the Liberals came from Minister of Natural Resources Jim Carr, who held a two-minute audience with waiting reporters to say the government is examining its options before dashing off to catch a flight.
For the rest of this column: http://nationalpost.com/opinion/john-ivison-on-trans-mountain-trudeau-must-do-or-do-not-there-is-no-try