A couple of months after stalking out of a Halifax national energy strategy conference due to a tug-of-war with Albertan Premier Alison Redford over just how much revenue B.C. should get from the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline, Clark appears ready to make nice with Redford.
In a September 26 letter from Clark to Redford, Clark reiterated the five conditions, announced in July, that B.C. pipeline projects must meet for Clark’s government to grant approvals:
- the successful completion of the environmental review process;
- “world-leading” marine oil spill response, prevention and recovery systems;
- “world-leading” oil spill prevention practices;
- compliance with legal requirements vis-à-vis aboriginal and treaty rights and providing First Nations with ways to participate and benefit from a heavy oil project; and
- a “fair share” for B.C. of the fiscal and economic benefits of a project “that reflects the level and nature of the risk borne by the province, the environment and taxpayers.”
However, in her letter, Clark emphasized that she’s open to negotiation as to what that “fair share” might look like.
“With respect to fiscal and economic benefits, it is important to note that my government has not placed any conditions on these discussions,” Clark said in the letter.
“While others may have characterized this conversation as somehow sharing Alberta’s royalty payments, we have been careful to avoid discussing the source of any benefit-sharing, or indeed the very nature of any increased benefits to British Columbia.
“We believe that this is a discussion that rightfully takes place between our governments and the federal government.”
In closing, Clark told Redford that she’ll be in Calgary early next week, “should you wish to discuss this issue further.”
