Feds could extend deadline for decision on Teck mine if needed: Wilkinson

OTTAWA (660 NEWS) – The federal environment minister has raised the possibility of delaying a cabinet decision on a massive new oilsands project in Alberta.

Minister Jonathan Wilkinson says extending the deadline beyond the end of February is one option for the government as it considers whether or not to approve the Teck Frontier Mine.

“I am not going to lie, this is not an easy decision,” said Wilkinson, who says there is a lot to consider with this project.

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“One the one hand you have the government of Alberta that’s made its position very clear and many folks in Alberta that see this as an important project. One the other hand, you have lots of questions on environmental impacts and particularly on how you square the government’s commitments on climate change.”

The mine would produce 260,000 barrels of oil a day and about four million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year. It’s also expected to create 7,000 jobs and $55 billion in revenues for Alberta.

The government still has weeks to make a decision, but Wilkinson says if needed there is the possibility of extending the deadline.

RELATED: B.C. and Alberta Indigenous leaders demonstrate against major oilsands project

“There is a decision date by Feb 28. Now, of course, cabinet has options to delay that if it in fact decides it needs more time to consider,” said Wilkinson.

“Cabinet will obviously have to wrestle with all the various environmental impacts with this project just as it does with every other project.”

Premier Jason Kenney has called for the feds to give the mine quick approval, however, the project has sparked protests from environmentalists in the province.

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