The anti-oil tanker Bill C-48 has been passed by the Canadian Senate despite the Liberals’ pipeline commitments.
Bill C-48 will put an end to oil tanker traffic along the northern coast of British Columbia. The legislation was narrowly approved with 49 senators voting in favour, 46 voting against and only one abstaining from the vote.
Federal Conservatives blasted the decision to pass the law in an official statement calling it an attempt by the Liberals to “attack” the oil and gas sector.
“Bill C-48 will help landlock Canadian energy exports and cost the Canadian economy billions of dollars,” said a statement by the Conservative Party of Canada.
“It will rob Indigenous communities in Northern B.C. and across the Prairies of potential economic development opportunities.”
The decision came a week after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet announced an official approval for the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion
Alongside Bill C-69, the bills have been cited as being dangerous for the development of Canada’s oil sector.
Bill C-69 was also signed into law by the Senate this month. The legislation, which makes changes to the environmental regulations required for pipelines, has been called a threat to confederation by Alberta Premier Jason Kenney.
“The passage of these two bills not only undermines Canada’s economy but also the Canadian federation,” said Kenney.
“Their passage brings us closer to moving forward with a referendum on a constitutional amendment to eliminate equalization from the Canadian constitution. If Albertans cannot develop our resources within the federation, then we should not be expected to pay the bills in the federation.”
