Canada's Supreme Court has dismissed B.C.'s appeal to block the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline.

In May, the B.C. Court of Appeal quashed the Provincial NDP's proposed legislation that would effectively block the expansion, despite claims that that was not the express purpose.

Now it seems the Supreme Court was in agreement, with the unanimous decision from the Supreme Court.

There's now one fewer obstacle in the way for the TMX, though it's still facing opposition, namely from several first nations groups who claim they were not fully consulted on the project.

Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer released a statement expressing gratitude at the decision, and stressing the importance of the pipelines for Canada's economy.

"This is the decision we expected. British Columbia's own top court was clear that the proposed law is 'an existential threat to a federal undertaking that is being expanded specifically to increase the amount of oil transported through British Columbia.' The B.C. court's decision was an affirmation of the unique economic union among Canada's provinces."

Energy Minister Sonya Savage will be making an appearance in Calgary tomorrow afternoon to comment on the decision.

 

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email news@okotoksonline.com