Alberta Senator Doug Black is urging the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources to consult with Canadians as it considers the proposed Bill C-69.
Black says that he has heard first hand from many groups and stakeholders that Bill C-69 needs amendments, and they would like to have the opportunity to propose them.
C-69, which would overhaul the approval process for major energy projects, is viewed as bad for business by market analysts. Alberta Premier Rachel Notley has said that in its current form, the bill hurts Albertans.
“There is a great interest to dialogue with the Senate Energy committee and on a matter so important to our nation – the Senate owes it to Canadians to take the time to meet and hear their concerns,” Black said in a statement on Friday.
“As public officials, we should not expect everyone to run to Ottawa. The Senate committee should travel from coast to coast to coast and conduct public hearings.”
Black added that a few environmental groups have suggested Bill C-69 is adequate and that the Senate does not need to consult further. “This is rather hypocritical in that these very groups are adamant about public consultation and, I don’t understand why they would not want the Senate to engage with Canadians,” he said.
