Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall says U.S. President Barack Obamaâs âlikely denialâ of Keystone XL pipeline would be a political nod to interest groups and Hollywood, and damage Canada-U.S. relations.
Last month, U.S. Republican Senator John Hoeven, a supporter of the TransCanada project, predicted Obama would reject the $8-billion pipeline when Congress went on break in August.
Wall told CTVâs Power Play on Monday that such a decision would hurt the long-standing relationship between Canada and the U.S.
âIt will be a strictly a political nod to NGOs and maybe Hollywood, or other interest groups that the president wants to support. I donât think itâll be good for the relationship,â Wall said.
âI donât think this presidencyâs been very good for the relationship.â
, TransCanada is has begun planning its response to the anticipated rejection of the controversy-plagued project. While the company is publicly expressing hope that Obama might approve the pipeline, sources close to the project told the Canadian Press that they feel rejection is likely.
On McQuaig comments: âWords matterâ
Wall also reacted to controversial remarks from NDP star candidate Linda McQuaig, who last week said in an interview that in order for Canada to meet its climate change targets, "a lot of the oilsands oil may have to stay in the ground."
âWords matter in an election campaign and if someone thatâs been touted as a front bencher and, I guess potentially a cabinet minister, uses words to that effect, thereâs going to be a need for a clarification,â said Wall. âIâm hoping that common sense prevails with all three parties with respect to energy transportation.â
Since the comments, NDP Leader , reiterating his partyâs support for developing natural resources and creating markets for them as long as there are proper environmental reviews and safeguards are in place.
Donât drag âinnocentâ provinces into election battle
Wall said he hopes a political spat that erupted between Conservative Leader Stephen Harper and the Alberta and Ontario premiers last week does not affect other provinces.
âIf the prime minister and the premiers are going to go at it, I hope that other innocent provinces arenât dragged into the debate,â said Wall.
Last week, Harper blasted Ontario Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne for her hopes to enhance the Ontario pension plan. He also targeted Alberta NDP Premier Rachel Notley for her decision to raise corporate and income taxes.
While Wall couldnât remember a time when a prime minister battled it out with premiers during an election campaign, he said he doesnât think the recent events will affect the long-term relationship between the provinces and federal government.
âI donât think a campaign precludes the fact that, after itâs all over, that a constructive bilateral canât continue for each of us with the federal government.â