It boggles the mind: The National Energy Board is in the midst of a public-confidence crisis yet the Stephen Harper government decides to appoint an industry expert whose work is the keystone economic argument for Kinder Morgan’s pipeline expansion.
It begs the question: Was this incompetence or something more sinister?
Surely those who chose Steven Kelly as the newest member of the NEB knew he had submitted evidence on one of the biggest files currently before the board.
Surely they knew Kelly’s appointment would upset.
The NEB tells us the decision was not its yet the chair, Peter Watson, was consulted. So, it’s not like the Conservatives didn’t know Kelly’s appointment would be seen as a major conflict of interest.
We understand the board needs industry experts to review these incredibly complex and technical files but appointing Kelly was the worst possible move.
