Article content

Alberta’s NDP government is moving forward in its attempt to have a role in the legal battle around the proposed expansion of Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline.

The province formally filed its application for intervener status with the Federal Court of Appeal on Wednesday, as multiple British Columbia municipalities, First Nations and environmental groups seek a judicial review of the National Energy Board’s approval of the pipeline project to the Pacific coast.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or NDP government files for intervener status on Kinder Morgan Back to video

The Notley government had announced its intention to seek intervener status in last month’s speech from the throne.

In the document filed by a Justice department lawyer, the government said Alberta wants to have a say on questions that are of significant public interest and importance.

“The court’s determination on these matters will have an impact nationally and on Alberta.”

The application said Alberta is best positioned to speak to the potential effect on the provincial economy and market access from the project, as well as the effect of the province’s climate plan on upstream greenhouse gas emissions. Alberta also has significant interest in ensuring predictable rules around resource projects, the development of law around the duty to consult with First Nations and the interpretation of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.