CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Two court cases that could have a major impact on Alberta are getting ready to wrap up.
Final arguments are expected to conclude Wednesday for Alberta’s carbon tax challenge and an Indigenous objection to the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion on the west coast.
The United Conservative government argues the federal carbon tax is unconstitutional and is designed to control the day-to-day lives of Albertans.
WATCH: Alberta fights the carbon tax in court
Similar challenges by the governments of Ontario and Saskatchewan this year were struck down.
RELATED: Ottawa’s carbon-pricing law valid, Ontario’s top court rules
Federal Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson says he’s confident in the Liberals approach to carbon pricing.
“The program remains confident that the pricing of pollution is in the national interest. Carbon pollution does not know provincial or territorial boundaries and we feel quite confident that our constitutional position is strong.”
Wilkinson, who represents the riding of North Vancouver also spoke about the challenges to Trans Mountain, saying he’s been pushing for the project.
“I certainly have been one of those voices in British Columbia that has been making the case as to why the Trans Mountain expansion fits within the context of a transition to a much lower carbon future.”
Indigenous groups have argued the federal government consultations over the project did not include meaningful dialogue.
