Sask. government prepared to invest in pipeline projects

The Saskatchewangovernment says simply advocating for pipelines is not enough and is looking to invest in future projects.

On Tuesday, the government announced it was creating a committee of cabinet ministers to evaluate pipeline projects.

The government said its Pipeline Projects Assessment Committee (PPAC), will "review and assess the viability of pipeline projects in Saskatchewan, and possible government involvement in investing, stimulating, or generally advancing these projects."

"I am pleased to announce this cabinet committee to assess the viability of pipeline project proposals in Saskatchewanand the opportunity for our government to invest or support future pipeline projects," said Premier Scott Moe in a statement.

Harrison says government involvement key to projects being built

Minister of Trade and Export Jeremy Harrison said the government decided to"look beyond just advocacy" and into"equity positions."

Harrison said proponents have expressed reluctance to get involved in certain projects because of "political risk."

He said, "groups on the left" have engaged in "targeted litigation and delay tactics" which made investors shy away. He also pointed toBill C-69, which critics have saidwill make future pipeline projects more difficult to receive approvals.

When asked why the province would want to assume the financial risk, Harrison said the movement of oil by pipeline and not on railways is beneficial to Saskatchewan financially.

"It's not idealto have governments directlyinvolved in this fashion in energy infrastructure projects but the reality is unless governments are involved in energy infrastructure projects they are not going to get built," Harrison said.

Harrison is one of four cabinet ministers that have been tapped for the committee. The others are:

• Minister of Finance Donna Harpauer.
• Minister of Energy and Resources Bronwyn Eyre.
• Minister of Environment Dustin Duncan.

The government's 2020-30 growth plan set goals for pipeline expansion and development, encouraging increased shipments of oil to the United States and encouraging Indigenous participation in pipeline projects.

Harrison also welcomed the Federal Court of Appeal ruling on theTrans Mountain expansion project. On Monday, the court announced itdismissed an appeal by Indigenous groups challenging the federal government's approval of the project.

The federal government bought the project for$4.7 billion in 2018.

"We really encourage the Government of Canada to move forward as quickly as they can with the year with the project," Harrison said.

He said the court's decision affirmed "there needs to be sufficient consultation," but also "that consultation doesn't bestow a veto on any particular groups."