Notley believes construction on Trans Mountain pipeline could begin this fall

CALGARY (660 NEWS) — As an important report from the National Energy Board is due to be presented on February 22, Alberta’s premier remains optimistic about the future of the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion.

“I personally think we’re likely to see shovels in the ground this fall,” Rachel Notley said from the observation deck on top of the Calgary Tower.

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Notley previously said that if the report — which concludes consultations with Indigenous groups around marine tanker traffic on the west coast — is favourable that it will mean construction could begin by the end of 2019.

But the NEB report is not the only piece of the puzzle, as Natural Resources Canada is also holding consultations with Indigenous communities on different concerns.

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On Tuesday, Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi said he cannot commit to an exact timeline to finish those meetings, as he is focused on getting the process done right and accounts for all the concerns from stakeholders in order to avoid further litigation.

“I can’t predict exactly how long the federal government will be engaging in consultation and accommodation with Indigenous communities, and indeed we can’t really predict that until we see the NEB decision,” Notley added.

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However, that sense of optimism still remains nine days before the report is sent out.

“If the NEB decision goes similarly to what some of their draft decisions already look like, then I feel optimistic,” said Notley. “I think it will be a major milestone for Alberta. I’ve always said this pipeline is going to get built. I know people in Calgary and throughout the province have been frustrated by the delays, but the project is still on. It will get built.”