The Canadian Press
Joanna Smith
ROME–Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is standing by the Kinder Morgan pipeline project–even as the New Democrats and Greens in B.C. are teaming up to fight it.
“The decision we took on the Trans Mountain pipeline was based on facts and evidence on what is in the best interests of Canadians and, indeed, all of Canada,” Trudeau said today in Rome, where he held a joint news conference with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni.
“Regardless of the change in government in British Columbia or anywhere, the facts and evidence do not change,” he noted.
Trudeau said his Liberal government understands that growing a strong economy requires taking leadership on both the environment and the economy.
“That is what drives us in the choices we make,” he remarked.
“We stand by those choices.”
His comments come as the anti-pipeline Green Party and NDP in British Columbia announced yesterday they’ve come to an agreement that could cast doubt on the project’s future.
The leaders of the two parties say they’ve reached a deal that could see the formation of a minority NDP government in the province.
Both have voiced their opposition to the Trans Mountain expansion, which would see the pipeline running from Edmonton to Burnaby nearly triple its capacity.
Kinder Morgan was expected to proceed today with its initial public offering for the expansion.
Trudeau also praised the benefits that international trade can bring to a world where people are anxious about the future.
In a speech to Italian parliamentarians in Rome today, Trudeau held up the trade deal between Canada and the European Union as an example of an agreement that can both create new jobs and ensure more people can benefit from economic growth.
“We are proud of it and you should be, too,” Trudeau said in his address to 45 parliamentarians and other dignitaries in the Sala della Regina, or the Queen’s Room, a majestic committee room at the Chamber of Deputies in the Italian Parliament.
“It will create the kind of growth that benefits all our citizens, not just our wealthiest,” Trudeau added.
The trade agreement, known as CETA, now is being considered by the Senate.
Trudeau thanked the Italian parliamentarians who supported the deal, and said it would not have been possible without the support of “like-minded” leaders like Gentiloni.
International Trade minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said the Liberal government hopes to bring other countries onside with trade by making it “real” for people.
Trudeau is in Italy to promote trade and cultural ties between the two countries at the end of a trip to Europe that included the NATO meeting in Brussels, the G7 Summit in Sicily, and a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican.
