Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says he’s open to a west-east pipeline being pitched by his counterparts in Alberta and Ontario.
Kinew says the pipeline could make Canada stronger and there are workers in his province who would be eager to help build it.
But he says major projects such as pipelines need to be built the right way, by addressing environmental concerns and bringing Indigenous governments on board.
Speaking at a meeting of premiers in Charlottetown, Kinew says he’s “willing to entertain” the pipeline proposal announced by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford earlier this month.
The line would stretch 3,300 kilometres from Hardisty, Alta., to refineries in Sarnia, Ont., going through Saskatchewan and Manitoba and not crossing into the U.S.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe previously said he’s on board.
Smith and Ford have said the pipeline would move 500,000 barrels of crude per day and reduce Canada’s need to import refined oil.
Ontario is expected to finish a feasibility study, with a price tag and a building schedule, before the end of the year.
Wab Kinew tiptoes around questions about oil pipeline proposed by premiers Smith, Ford
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