The Trans Mountain Pipeline got a green light in the Federal Court of Appeal following four challenges by First Nations in British Columbia.

The decision was announced yesterday with a unanimous vote of 3-0 that the court concluded, “there is no basis for interfering with the Governor in Council’s second authorization of the Project”.

The initial challenge on the second approval of the pipeline included six parties, however, only four First Nations parties saw the challenge through. Their challenge, which was submitted in the fall of 2019, was rooted in the belief that the revised consultation process was not adequate.

The Attorney General of Saskatchewan, along with the Attorney General of Alberta, both acted as interveners in the case and lent their support to the Crown’s position, that the Trans Mountain Pipeline should in fact be approved.

Tuesday’s decision outlined that the Federal Court of Appeal concludes that the renewed consultation efforts were, “sufficient in considering the benefits and detriments of the project,” and that the pipeline is in the public interest and should be approved.

The First Nations do have 60 days to appeal to the Supreme Court, however, at this time, construction can continue on the Trans Mountain Pipeline.