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The reason I didn’t support this theatrical motion was because I didn’t want to be the next Joe Oliver. By supporting that motion, Energy East down the line could have suffered the same fate as Northern Gateway.

At the risk of sounding like one of my law school professors, it is inappropriate for a government to weigh in on — let alone endorse — a project that is under review by an independent administrative body. The former government found that out the hard way.

How confident would you be in the legitimacy of the NHL if commissioner Gary Bettman openly declared his preferred team to win the Stanley Cup at the start of each season?

As I have stated many times, I want to see Alberta’s resources get to tidewater. However, there is a difference between being a cheerleader and achieving success with this file.

Letting the process run its course adds to its credibility, which should help the project gain its social license to operate from Canadians, which is critical if Albertans are to get our oil to tidewater. And we all know the ability to export our province’s key resource to global markets is important to the economy of our province and our country.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, we are already responding. We have restored credibility to the NEB, and we are taking our duty to consult seriously. The government recently committed to harmonizing Canada’s laws with the standards set out in the UN Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Working to address First Nations’ concerns is one of the key factors the court indicated will help assure all Canadians that pipeline approvals are subject to a fair process. A fair process will ultimately help business in Alberta.