OTTAWA - Green Party Leader Elizabeth May has raised urgent concerns about the federal government’s inadequate preparation for potential emergencies involving the Trans Mountain (TMX) pipeline and its associated risks. Through detailed questions submitted to Parliament, May has highlighted significant gaps in emergency response planning and risk management, placing hundreds of thousands of Canadians in harm’s way.
“The Trans Mountain pipeline represents an enormous hazard, particularly for the communities along its route and near its marine terminal,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada. “Despite the known risks of diluted bitumen spills, the government has failed to provide assurances that it is prepared for the inevitable emergencies this pipeline will bring. This is not responsible governance—it’s reckless endangerment.”
Elizabeth May’s parliamentary questions probe critical areas of concern, including:
- The lack of readiness to manage diluted bitumen spills, which pose unique challenges as the substance can float or sink depending on conditions.
- Uncertainty about trained hazardous material clean-up teams and evacuation plans for at-risk populations, including those with asthma or disabilities.
- The absence of a fully operational fiber optic spill detection system and dual leak detection across the entire pipeline.
- Gaps in coordination with British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) regarding health and spill response plans, despite the significant increase in tanker traffic and associated risks to marine environments.
“By failing to prepare adequately, the government is ignoring its responsibility to protect communities, ecosystems, and public health,” Elizabeth May continued. “From Burrard Inlet to English Bay and beyond, the risks of a diluted bitumen spill are catastrophic, and yet no comprehensive, enforceable plan exists to manage them. This negligence undermines public trust and puts lives at risk.”
Dr. Tim Takaro, physician and TMX opponent, stated that “The Trans Mountain pipeline violates Indigenous rights, threatens our climate, and contradicts expert advice urging a rapid transition away from oil and gas production. As a physician, I am compelled to act. To remain silent in the face of such injustice would betray my commitment to ‘do no harm.“
The Green Party is calling on the government to take immediate action to address these gaps, including:
- Developing robust, transparent, and community-informed emergency response plans to handle pipeline spills and related hazards.
- Ensuring thorough training for hazardous material response teams and equipping local emergency services for spill and fire scenarios.
- Providing clear guidelines on federal and provincial roles in protecting human health during pipeline operations and emergencies.
- Revisiting the decision to approve the Trans Mountain pipeline in light of unresolved safety, health, and environmental concerns.
Eugene Kung, Barrister & Solicitor at West Coast Environmental Law, also raised some concerns : “The material legal, political and reputational risk facing Kinder Morgan’s pipeline and tanker project means that this is not your average pipeline investment. Investors should be aware of the significant uncertainty surrounding the project and the associated risks for anyone invested in it. Kinder Morgan’s pipeline and tanker project does not have the consent of affected First Nations, who have banned it in their unextinguished Indigenous laws. This represents significant legal, political and reputational risk that investors need to understand.”
“It’s unacceptable that the federal government is pressing forward with this project while ignoring fundamental safety questions,” Elizabeth May added. “The Trans Mountain pipeline is a ticking time bomb, and the government’s inaction is putting Canadians and our environment in grave danger.”
The Green Party remains committed to holding the government accountable for its environmental and public safety responsibilities and will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize community well-being and sustainability over profit-driven projects.
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For more information or to arrange an interview :
Fabrice Lachance Nové
Press secretary
514-463-0021