The Quebec government says it will seek an injunction against TransCanada to ensure that its proposed Energy East pipeline complies with the province's environmental laws.
Environment Minister David Heurtel made the announcement this morning in Montreal.
"Today's motion is very simple and very clear. It signifies that whoever seeks to build a project in Quebec must comply with all Quebec laws and regulations," Heurtel said.
"This is not only a matter of respect, but equally a question of fairness towards all companies that wish to do business in Quebec."
Today's announcement comes as TransCanada prepares for hearings at Quebec's environmental review board next week.
A coalition of Quebec environmental groups filed a court motion against the project for the same reasons two weeks ago.
The Quebec government had previously called on TransCanada to comply with its environmental regulations in letters sent to the company in 2014.
"Unfortunately, we never received a response to these letters," Heurtel told the news conference.
TransCanada has not replied to Quebec's requests for formal notice, saying Energy East is subject only to federal regulation.
The company did not immediately offer comment on today's announcement by the province.
'Regional tensions'
Heurtel said the injunction request shouldn't be perceived as a battle of "East versus West" or one that would pit one province against another.
The leader of Alberta's Wildrose Party, Brian Jean, was quick to criticize Quebec for today's announcement.
"If Quebec wants to block our pipelines, they should send back the over $10 billion in equalization payments they are receiving this year alone and explain why they prefer Saudi and Nigerian oil over Canadian oil," Jean said in a statement.
"As Albertans become increasingly worried about mounting job losses, these types of short-sighted political games will only increase regional tensions across Canada."
In the past, opposition to the project in Quebec has drawn criticism from politicians including Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant.
Quebec mayors opposed to project
The project has faced strong criticism in Quebec, with many municipalities arguing the environmental risks outweigh the economic rewards.
The $15.7-billion Energy East pipeline would carry 1.1 million barrels a day of western crude as far east as Saint John, N.B., serving domestic refineries and international customers.
Heurtel said the decision to pursue legal action does not mean the province has made a final decision on the project.
"I want to point out that this should not be interpreted as us being for or against the project," he said. "Rather, as in other provinces, it is an attempt to have our laws and regulations respected."
TransCanada Corp.'s proposed pipeline project would carry 1.1 million barrels a day from Alberta through Quebec to an export terminal in Saint John, N.B. (Canadian Press)
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