Thursday, June 18, 2026
ADVT 
National

Site C dam report 'helpful,' says energy minister

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 07 Jan, 2021 08:57 PM
  • Site C dam report 'helpful,' says energy minister

British Columbia's energy minister says he has received a report on the status of the Site C dam project and will soon present its findings to cabinet.

Bruce Ralston says the report by former deputy finance minister Peter Milburn is "helpful," but he wouldn't discuss its findings until they are reviewed by the cabinet and Premier John Horgan.

Ralston appointed Milburn in July to conduct a review of the hydroelectric project after Crown-owned BC Hydro reported concerns about project risks, construction delays and rising costs on the dam, estimated at $10.7 billion in 2018.

Ralston says cabinet is scheduled to meet Wednesday, but he wouldn't say whether Milburn's report will be discussed then.

During last fall's election campaign, Horgan said Milburn's report could give the government scientific and economic evidence to assess the status of Site C.

Horgan announced in December 2017 that the government would support completion of Site C, but said it is a project the NDP would never have started.

In an interview, Ralston said the legislature doesn't resume sitting until March, but he is inclined for the report to be discussed by cabinet "sooner rather than later."

He said: "But it’s helpful. It’s helpful for sure."

MORE National ARTICLES

Canada joins 22 nations in ocean protection

Canada joins 22 nations in ocean protection
Canada has joined an international group of nearly two dozen other countries working to protect the world's oceans.

Canada joins 22 nations in ocean protection

Senators call on feds to prep for second wave

Senators call on feds to prep for second wave
Canada is ill-prepared for a second wave of COVID-19, says a Senate committee, calling on the federal Liberals to deliver a plan by Labour Day to help people and communities hit hardest by the pandemic.

Senators call on feds to prep for second wave

Lighthizer keeps Canada in dark on tariffs

Lighthizer keeps Canada in dark on tariffs
Canada's chief trade negotiator says the new North American trade deal won't limit the federal government's options if it is forced to retaliate against U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum.

Lighthizer keeps Canada in dark on tariffs

Police chiefs urge drug decriminalization

Police chiefs urge drug decriminalization
Canada's police chiefs are calling for decriminalization of personal possession of illicit drugs as the best way to battle substance abuse and addiction.

Police chiefs urge drug decriminalization

B.C. premier expresses optimism about restart

B.C. premier expresses optimism about restart
Premier John Horgan says British Columbia's restart is gaining ground as some industries resume operations and more people leave their homes to participate in the economy.

B.C. premier expresses optimism about restart

Racist vandalism investigated near Sechelt, B.C.

Racist vandalism investigated near Sechelt, B.C.
A police investigation is underway as RCMP search for the person who threatened to damage two totem poles at a secondary school north of Vancouver.

Racist vandalism investigated near Sechelt, B.C.