Expert predicts Site C approval as NDP gov’t readies to deliver decision
Posted December 10, 2017 4:23 pm.
Last Updated December 11, 2017 6:15 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – The BC NDP’s decision on the controversial Site C Dam project is expected Monday, at a news conference with Premier John Horgan at 11:30 a.m. in Victoria.
A recent report by the BC Utilities Commission said the $8.3 billion project is currently over budget and not likely to meet its 2024 completion target, but some are still predicting what the decision will be.
“I think we’re going to see a government that will approve the Site C dam, much to the shock of certainly the Greens and obviously a large base, part of the base, of the NDP party itself,” says Michael Prince, Lansdowne Professor of Social Policy at the University of Victoria. “But this will show that there’s a difference between being in opposition and being in government.”
However, Prince believes the approval will also mean some amendments to the project. “It’s in a way trying to anticipate the push-back or the blow-back that they’ll face on this. Excuse the pun but they’re damned if they do or they’re damned if they don’t on this decision. There’s incredible strong interest on both sides.”
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He admits it’ll be interesting to see how Green Party leader Andrew Weaver might react to the announcement if the project is in fact approved, as well as whether he was given any advanced notice on the decision. “But at the end of the day it’s the government’s decision not an alliance, or a coalition decision so it’s really up to the premier and his cabinet to have made this decision ultimately.”
Regardless of the decision, Prince believes this will be a defining moment for Horgan and the BC NDP. “It’ll define certainly the first part of his mandate. And it’s going to be one of those –for however long he is premier, whether it’s for one or two years, or five or ten years, this is going to be one of those defining decisions on his record, in his history.”
BC Green leader Andrew Weaver has taken to Twitter, suggesting he might propose a recall campaign of the energy minister, should Site C be approved.
Monday’s announcement will be preceded by a “lock-up” style technical briefing with government staff.
NEWS 1130 will be following this story closely. You can listen here or follow us on Twitter for the latest details.
