B.C. reviewing Sask. energy export law for potential discrimination
Attorney General David Eby says legislation could be just as unconstitutional as Alberta's
British Columbia's attorney general says if Saskatchewan's new legislation on exporting energy products is based on the Alberta legislation, it's just as unconstitutional.
David Eby says his province will review the law to determine if it discriminates against B.C.
The Saskatchewan government introduced legislation Monday that would allow it to control its oil and gas exports, similar to a bill recently tabled in Alberta.
Saskatchewan Energy Minister Bronwyn Eyre says the lone difference is that Saskatchewan has a sunset clause in place until Jan. 31, 2019.
While the proposed law does not mention B.C. specifically, Saskatchewan has said it supports Alberta in its dispute with B.C. over the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.
The expansion of the pipeline to the West Coast has been approved by the federal government, but B.C. is fighting it in the courts.
Eyre acknowledges that there are issues with the bill and current trade agreements, but that Saskatchewan needs to defend its rights. She says the bill is a last resort and will only be used if the pipeline project continues to be stalled.