Peace River-Westlock MP Arnold Viersen is very concerned with what could happen south of the border, as soon as tomorrow.
According or transition documents seen by the Canadian Press, signing an executive order to cancel a presidential permit for the Keystone XL pipeline’s border crossing is high on President-elect Joe Biden’s list once he is sworn in.
“It seems to be hanging by a thread,” says Viersen in discussing his concerns with the project possibly being cancelled.
“Cancelling that pipeline would be devastating to thousands of Albertan families that have already been hurt by the economic crisis.”
Viersen adds that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has an opportunity to show the province that he supports Alberta.
“I think Prime Minister Trudeau needs to get on the phone with President-elect Biden and persuade him to keep that pipeline rolling,” recommends Viersen.
“The Prime Minister is not known for standing up for Albertans but this would be a good time to start.”
Earlier today, Trudeau said that he will be making sure the incoming US administration hears Canada’s views in support of the pipeline.
Viersen also pointed to something Trudeau’s father did when he was Prime Minister.
“His father (Pierre Trudeau) negotiated a deal with the United States for pipelines that cross our borders,” he recalls.
“It was to prevent Americans from shutting down Canadian pipelines and vice-versa.”
Viersen calls on the younger Trudeau to enact the deal his father signed.
He also says he suspects some state governments may not be happy with the decision to possibly cancel the pipeline.
“I believe that most of the Keystone KL pipeline has been built,” he explains.
“There is just one small piece at the (Manitoba) border that needs to be complete, and that is the piece that can be vetoed.”
– Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom
