Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin defended the government’s approach to requiring 100% consensus for new oil and gas projects, accusing critics of stirring unnecessary controversy. Blacklock's Reporter says speaking in the Commons, Dabrusin emphasized the importance of unity and working together during this critical time.“What Canadians want to see is us working together,” said Dabrusin, though she did not clarify what level of agreement constitutes consensus..Last Friday, cabinet introduced Bill C-5, granting authority to fast-track projects deemed “in the national interest,” while ensuring no permit would override objections from any premier or indigenous group.Conservative MP Branden Leslie pressed Dabrusin for clarity on what consensus means and whether she supports new pipelines in any direction.Dabrusin responded that her role is to consider environmental impacts and declined to choose between pipelines or rail for transporting oil..Leslie asked whether the premier of British Columbia, an NDP member, holds veto power over a pipeline to the Pacific Coast. Dabrusin sidestepped, suggesting opposition members should celebrate the unity between premiers and the prime minister instead.Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre expressed skepticism about federal approval for new energy projects under such strict consensus rules.“If you wait until everybody agrees on everything, nothing will happen,” he told reporters. When asked if consensus was necessary, Poilievre replied bluntly, “No. We have got to get it done.”
