NDP calls for a full provincial environmental assessment on Line 9 pipeline

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Today in question period, NDP Environment Critic Jonah Schein called on the provincial government to protect public participation, and the health and environment of Ontarians by undertaking a full environmental Assessment of the Line 9 reversal project.

“This week, the Minister of Energy finally acknowledged that the Enbridge proposal to pump tar sands crude oil across the GTHA is a ‘significant’ and ‘serious’ issue with ‘environmental concerns.’ Will the Minister of Environment agree to launch a provincial Environmental Assessment of the Line 9 reversal to ensure full public participation and the protection ofOntario’s drinking water and watersheds?” asked Schein, MPP forDavenport.

Although the government has agreed to act as an intervenor at the National Energy Board hearings on Line 9, there are serious concerns that the Board is restricting public participation by forcing the public to ‘apply’ for the right to present – a practice the Globe and Mail calls “a form of silencing.”

Ontario New Democrats are calling on the Liberal government to do more to ensure public participation by requesting a provincial Environmental Assessment. 

“Under new federal rules, the project will not receive a Federal Environmental Assessment. Quebecis committed to conducting a provincial assessment to protect Quebeckers. Will Ontario’s Minister stand up for the safety and drinking water in our province by launching a provincial environmental assessment that allows full public participation and full consideration of the environmental impacts of Line 9?” asked Schein.