By Geoff Smith (@GeoffSmithLNN on Twitter)

Notley: federal energy bill threatens Alberta’s resource jurisdiction

Sep 25, 2018 | 12:01 PM

CALGARY – Premier Rachel Notley says her government will keep up the pressure to get the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion built, and fight to change a bill that she says “supercharges” the “regulatory merry-go-round.”

Notley spoke to the International Pipeline Conference in Calgary Tuesday, Sept. 25. She said pipeline projects are a form of nation-building.

“Our energy resources support the high quality of life that makes Alberta and Canada one of the best places in the world to live and to raise a family,” she told the crowd. She said that’s why the government is concerned about certain federal proposals, specifically Bill C-69.

“In its current form, Bill C-69 hurts Alberta,” she said. “It hurts our competitive position by creating uncertainty, especially with the potential inclusion of downstream emissions or at least the failure to specifically or legislatively exclude that from consideration.”

The bill, currently in the Senate, would, among other things, replace the National Energy Board with a Canadian Energy Regulator. The Liberal government says the changes would give producers greater certainty and predictability.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Notley calls it an “overreach” into Alberta’s right to control and develop its own resources.

“As currently written, it will do all of this without guaranteeing any regard for Alberta’s landmark efforts to combat climate change,” she said. She stressed that climate action and jobs can go hand-in-hand.

The premier later told reporters that members of the provincial cabinet have been speaking to the federal government to stress the need for changes for some time.

“We have an obligation to the people of Alberta to look at what’s actually in writing, not rely on conversations that we have with people. Even as we have been having productive conservations between the ministers… we don’t see that reflected in the language yet.”

Timelines and criteria are two of the areas of uncertainty she cited, adding that some of the suggested involvement in the indigenous framework could step on provincial jurisdiction.

“Albertans manage energy. That is an Albertan birthright. And under no circumstances in this government are we going to see that right be undermined.”

However, she stopped short of threatening a court challenge of the legislation.

by Geoff Smith (@GeoffSmithLNN on Twitter)

Notley: federal energy bill threatens Alberta’s resource jurisdiction

What's Happening