Trans Mountain oral hearing to take place today

On 26 October 2017, Trans Mountain filed a notice of motion and notice of constitutional question with the NEB regarding the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project. In its motion, Trans Mountain asked the NEB to issue an order declaring that certain sections of the City of Burnaby’s bylaws do not apply to work the company will carry out at its Burnaby Terminal and Westridge Marine Terminal, or its use of a temporary worksite.

The company also asked the NEB to declare that it is not required to meet a prior commitment to comply with such bylaws in these circumstances. Trans Mountain indicated that it intends to raise constitutional questions related to the applicability and operability of some of Burnaby’s municipal bylaws in relation to the project.

Before deciding on this motion, the Board will hear from Trans Mountain, the City of Burnaby and the attorneys general of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

The oral hearing is scheduled for two days. On 29 November, the NEB will question Trans Mountain and the City of Burnaby. On 4 December, Trans Mountain, Burnaby and the three participating attorneys general will provide oral argument. The hearing will be broadcast via a live audio feed on the NEB’s website and transcripts will also be posted online.

Media accreditation is required for all journalists who wish to attend the hearing in-person. Media must be able to present government issued photo ID along with a business card and/or a letter requesting accreditation on official letterhead of a media organisation, signed by the Publisher, Editor-in-chief, or Assignment Editor (along with their contact information). More information on media accreditation is available on the NEB website. Please note that no video or photography will be permitted during the hearing.