Ralph Goodale disappointed in Energy East project shutdown

TransCanada has decided to put an end to the Energy East pipeline project due to the inability to reach a “regulatory decision.”

The pipeline was expected to create thousands of jobs in Saskatchewan and many politicians expressed their disappointment with the announcement, including Premier Brad Wall.

Another politician who also said they were disappointed was Liberal Minister Ralph Goodale.

“Obviously Energy East was a very important perspective project for western Canada,” Goodale said.

Goodale said Energy East was one of four pipelines approved by the Liberal government, with the Kinder Morgan line and Line #3 already underway and the third one will be getting underway shortly. The Liberal Minister and Regina MP maintained TransCanada were held to the same regulations as the other three pipeline projects that the Liberal government has approved.

Ralph Goodale believed market and economic factors were reasons behind TransCanada’s decision to end the Energy East project.

He said that a study published earlier Thursday had indicated “nothing of substance changed in the regulatory process.”

And he adds he does not support a tweet from Montreal mayor that this is a victory.

“Mr. Coderre is simply wrong,” Goodale said. “I disagree with him profoundly on this issue and always have.”

Goodale said he hopes another company will pick up the project at a future date.

— With files from Sarah Mills