National

BC Groups Go To High Court In Challenge Of Energy Board's Approval Process

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 23 Mar, 2015 11:41 AM

VANCOUVER — A coalition of environmental advocates in B.C. is taking the National Energy Board to Canada's highest court in a challenge of the pipeline approval process.

The group has filed its constitutional action against the independent federal tribunal that reviews oil pipelines, arguing restrictive rules unfairly limit public participation in the pipeline debate.

The group of landowners, business people, academics and environmental groups contend the process impedes the charter rights of Canadians and they are appealing a Federal Court's refusal to hear their application against the board.

Lawyer David Martin says his clients believe it's wrong for the board to claim it can't consider scientific evidence regarding the long-term impacts of exporting crude oil.

He says that potential environmental and health impacts of pipeline projects mean full public hearings are necessary and they want the Supreme Court of Canada to direct the board to do its job properly.

The board has been criticized for its approach at hearings for the proposed Northern Gateway project and Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain pipeline, both of which would carry bitumen from Alberta through B.C. for export to Asia.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Wannabe terrorist considered triggering volcano in northern U.S., court hears

TORONTO — A man accused of plotting to derail a passenger train in Canada apparently also thought about triggering a volcanic blast to cause a catastrophe in the United States.

Wannabe terrorist considered triggering volcano in northern U.S., court hears

Two accused in alleged Halifax shopping mall threat face more charges

HALIFAX — Two people accused of plotting to open fire in a Halifax shopping mall now face more charges.

Two accused in alleged Halifax shopping mall threat face more charges

Canadian home sales slip lower in January, Canadian Real Estate Association says

OTTAWA — Home sales slipped lower in January for the second month in a row, with a slowdown in Calgary and Edmonton responsible for much of the decline.

Canadian home sales slip lower in January, Canadian Real Estate Association says

Budget office's duelling estimate for Canada's war in Iraq? $122M to $166M

OTTAWA — Canada's parliamentary budget officer was largely stonewalled in his efforts to put a price tag on the combat mission in Iraq, prompting the fiscal watchdog to call for changes to the law that governs his agency.

Budget office's duelling estimate for Canada's war in Iraq? $122M to $166M

A cryptic case: Canadian spies seek own cemetery in the national capital

OTTAWA — It looks like one of Canada's most historic graveyards is about to get a little, um, spookier.

A cryptic case: Canadian spies seek own cemetery in the national capital

Liberal MP calls for assurances that ministers tweet in both official languages

OTTAWA — A veteran Liberal MP has written to Treasury Board President Tony Clement seeking assurances that federal ministers communicate in both official languages on social media networks like Twitter.