Pipeline Transport

Assessment of Canadian Pipeline Safety Act

October 27, 2016: As part of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence day on the Parliament Hill, the Cities Initiative presented its recommendations following an assessment of the new Pipeline Safety Act to M. Carr, Minister of Natural Resources. The new law was adopted to overhaul the statutory liability regime for federally-regulated pipelines, which has historically been considered as inadequate. While it is a great step forward to increase the protection of the environment and of Canadian citizens, some gaps remain. The Cities Initiatives’ recommendations include the need to reduce the discretionary nature of the law, the importance to reintroduce the notion of unlimited liability of pipeline companies in the event of a spill as well as the necessity to recognize explicitly local governments. To access the report, please click here.

Application for Intervenor Status

March 2015: The Cities Initiative has submitted an application for intervenor status in the National Energy Board's hearing of the TransCanada Energy East pipeline. The new pipeline will run along the St. Lawrence River and near or through several member cities, including Cornwall, Montreal, Trois-Rivieres, and Quebec City.

The Cities Initiative is primarily concerned with the effects of a spill on the region, both in terms of environmental quality and quality of human life and health.