Question Period Note: Pipeline Safety and Spill Response

Individuals and non-governmental environmental organizations have expressed concerns about the safety of oil and gas pipelines in Canada. The Minister may be questioned on recent or historical pipeline spills.

• Canadians depend on us to ensure that Canada’s oil and gas pipelines are built securely, and operate safely.
• Our government places the highest priority on health, safety, and environmental protection in all aspects of the oil and gas industry.
• That is why we put in place the Pipeline Safety Act, which came into force in June 2016, reinforcing the culture of safety across Canada’s oil and gas sector.
• Companies are held liable regardless of fault and are required to have the resources to respond to incidents.
• We will continue to strengthen our pipeline safety system, including through the new Canadian Energy Regulator Act.
Supplementary Messages:
• The Canadian Energy Regulator Act includes measures to ensure projects are designed, constructed, operated, and decommissioned in a manner that is safe for the public and the environment.
• Our government has also invested up to $2 million a year to ensure the highest standards for pipeline integrity and for research on pipeline safety, which will help keep Canada’s pipelines safe, secure, and reliable.
Reactive, Recent Spills:
• Some spills and releases were reported in recent months; in each case, crews have completed the necessary repairs and began immediate cleanup and reclamation, as required.
• Affected stakeholders are systematically advised of incidents, which are being monitored or investigated by regulatory authorities.
• The Canada Energy Regulator requires regulated pipeline companies to perform around the clock monitoring activities of their pipelines, including on-the-ground inspections.

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