The Canadian Taxpayers Federation wants to be involved in the court case that will determine whether the B.C. government can restrict heavy oil shipments moving through the province.
The advocacy group is seeking intervener status in the reference case, and will argue that building the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion is in Canadians’ economic interest. The case asks whether B.C. can create a law that requires those who transport hazardous materials, like diluted bitumen through the Trans Mountain’s pipeline expansion, to obtain a permit and adhere to a series of environmental regulations.
But the group’s support only goes so far, according to spokesperson Aaron Wudrick.
The pipeline expansion would be good for Canada, they argue, but the federal government should not be using public money to support it.
“Most of the people who support the pipeline also support getting it built through any means, including public money … we’re unique in that we’re in favour of the pipeline as long as it’s built by Kinder Morgan with their own money,” he told the NOW. “We oppose any public subsidy, which is consistent with our position on all forms of private business.”
But while the pipeline is still viable as a private project, that’s something the Canadian Taxpayers Federation supports. They are applying to intervene in the case because they believe the federal government has the final say over the pipeline, and having that jurisdictional clarity is important for the public, he said.
“We think taxpayers are better served when the jurisdiction of the various levels of government is clear, because that way, you as a taxpayer, as a voter, have a better idea of who to hold responsible for policy choices,” Wudrick said. “When there is confusion about what level of government is responsible for something, it makes it hard for people to hold the right people responsible because the line is blurred.”
