Notley's tough sell

Photo: The Canadian Press

Some observers say Alberta's premier will have a difficult job trying to convince British Columbians to support the Trans Mountain pipeline project between the provinces as she began a two-day visit to B.C. on Monday.

Rachel Notley appears to be taking a low-profile approach to her sales pitch. Her itinerary doesn't include any public speaking engagements and she isn't meeting with Premier Christy Clark, who has attached conditions to her government's support for the Kinder Morgan project.

She has scheduled interviews with media outlets to discuss the pipeline expansion, which received federal approval last week to triple the amount of oil already flowing from Edmonton to a marine terminal in Burnaby.

Notley released a statement to mark the start of her visit, saying Alberta and British Columbia share "deep ties and common values."

"The Kinder Morgan pipeline offers an opportunity to show that a strong economy that benefits working families and world-class environmental standards go hand in hand. I look forward to having thoughtful and constructive conversations about the mutual benefits the project will bring to our two provinces."

Notley's office said she will meet Clark in Ottawa later this week during a first ministers meeting. Clark said last week that the federal government is close to meeting B.C.'s five conditions for approval of the pipeline.

Green Leader Andrew Weaver challenged Notley to a public debate on the project, saying she is not engaging with British Columbians during her trip.

Notley's visit is all about making deals to gain the provincial NDP's support for the pipeline expansion, he said.

"It's not about British Columbians, it's about political calculations, and that's what is so frustrating for so many people in Canada," Weaver said.

A spokeswoman for Opposition NDP Leader John Horgan said he will meet with Notley because the two are old friends, but the party remains firm in its opposition to the Trans Mountain project.

Weaver said there's no way the majority of British Columbians will ever support the pipeline expansion because it will dramatically increase tanker traffic off the coast.

"The risk-reward is just not worth it for those of us who live in coastal British Columbia," he said.

Environmental groups and First Nations have promised to continue their vocal opposition to Trans Mountain with court challenges and protests.