Trans-Mountain decision not guaranteed ahead of federal election

Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi speaks about the government's plan for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project during a news conference in Ottawa on October 3, 2018. Canada's natural resources minister says the government will not be "cutting corners" in order to speed up the full review process for the Trans Mountain pipeline. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

CALGARY – Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi says he can’t guarantee the federal government will have a decision on the proposed Trans Mountain pipeline expansion prior to the next federal election.

The deadline was pushed back to June 18 from May 22 on the recommendation of Indigenous communities and the former Supreme Court justice advising the government on the consultation process.

Sohi told reporters at a clean energy announcement in Calgary that he doesn’t expect the deadline will be pushed back again.

But he couldn’t guarantee a decision on the project would come before a federal election expected this fall, saying it’s up to the full cabinet.

Sohi shrugged off Kenney’s plans to eliminate the carbon tax and lift the cap on Alberta oilsands emissions.

He says he’s looking forward to working with Jason Kenney and Alberta will be expected to do its part as part of the Paris Accord.

One of Kenney’s elected candidates, Mark Smith from Drayton Valley-Devon, was on hand for the announcement.