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OTTAWA — The Federal Court of Appeal has dismissed legal objections to Ottawa’s decision to approve the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion a second time.

In a 3-0 decision, the court rejected four challenges from First Nations in British Columbia to the approval, which were filed last summer. The 95-page ruling says there is no legal basis to interfere with the federal cabinet’s approval of the project.

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That means construction can continue on the project, though the First Nations have 60 days to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Natural Resources Minister Seamus O’Regan said the government welcomes the ruling and believes it proves that if consultations and reviews are done properly, major projects can be built in Canada.

“This has worked out well,” he said.

“The courts have acknowledged that we listened and that we want to do things right.”

Chief Lee Spahan of the Coldwater Indian Band said in a statement an appeal to the Supreme Court is under consideration. He also said his band must still be consulted on the route the expansion will take, with the approved route passing an aquifer that is the only source of drinking water for 320 people living on the main Coldwater reserve.