Kinder Morgan selling assets a concern for taxpayers: Andrew Scheer

It’s no surprise Kinder Morgan is thinking about selling off their Canadian assets, according to federal Conservative leader Andrew Scheer.

But the sale should be concerning for taxpayers, he says, claiming more than $80 billion of energy projects have been cancelled in recent years. He blames Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has for “unnecessary delays.”

RELATED: BC First Nations celebrate Trans Mountain pipeline expansion stall

“(It’s) very concerning. They wouldn’t be the first, I mean, when you look at the exodus that has happened in Canada’s energy sector because of this uncertainty the federal government is allowing these types of delays,” he said. “It’s just devastating to the workers who are affected by this and it’s devastating to Canadian taxpayers who are now on the hook for this project.

WATCH: Kinder Morgan Canada suspends work on Trans Mountain pipeline

 

“We need a government that will champion these projects, that will lay out a clear path to approvals – not just allowing provincial governments to throw up roadblocks.”

He is also critical of Trudeau for refusing to say exactly how he plans to ensure the pipeline expansion goes ahead as the cost could now be as high as $2 billion.

RELATED: Feds to buy Trans Mountain pipeline, Kinder Morgan Canada’s core assets for $4.5B

Scheer also accuses Premier John Horgan of helping drive up the cost of the pipeline expansion, but Horgan insists he has more faith in the federal government than the Texas company.

“It’s more likely that I would be able to call the CEO of Canada and get an answer rather than phoning Texas,” he said.

Kinder Morgan shareholders approved the $4.5-billion sale of Trans Mountain pipeline less than an hour after last week’s court ruling. It’s still unclear if that decision will be appealed.