There is dissension in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet about whether or not to approve Bay du Nord.
The PC Opposition are responding to a Radio-Canada story indicating that there are some in Trudeau’s cabinet, namely ministers from Quebec, Ontario, and BC that are against the project. Meanwhile, they name Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and NL MP Seamus O’Regan as supporters of it.
(Bay du Nord FPSO concept art, courtesy Equinor.)
Interim Opposition leader David Brazil calls it “alarming” and “disturbing” that the federal Liberal cabinet is making decisions around Bay du Nord and the province’s oil and gas sector.
He does not feel that is appropriate. He is calling for information from the province as to what level of input they’re having on the situation, and they are calling on federal MPs to announce what they are doing to support oil and gas in the province.
Brazil references the Atlantic Accord. He says he expects due diligence and for the province to get its “rightful economic growth.” He says this could mean a $100-billion loss to the province and that it’s not right to have MPs from Ontario, BC, and Quebec deciding our future.
The PCs are calling for the House of Assembly to be reopened for an emergency debate on the issue.
Minister Andrew Parsons Issues Statement on Situation
(Industry, Energy and Technology Minister Andrew Parsons.)
Meanwhile, Energy Minister Andrew Parsons has released a statement on the situation, but doesn’t address the ask of an emergency debate.
He says Bay du Nord is “critical” for the province’s economy, and they understand the importance of the oil and gas sector in the energy transition.
He maintains that Bay du Nord will play a key role in helping the province meet the global demand for oil while supporting the commitment of net zero by 2050.
If approved, Parsons states that the project will be “the most carbon-efficient development of its scale in Canada.”
He says the province continues to work with Equinor and its federal partners.
