Saskatchewan has been granted leave to intervene in support of the Tans Mountain Pipeline expansion at a hearing before the Federal Court of Appeal.

The province will be arguing that the project was properly approved and the court will hear arguments of whether the federal government adequately consulted with First Nations.

Saskatchewan is supporting the construction of the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion saying without the new pipeline capacity, demand for rail transportation will continue to increase, putting cost pressures on to oil producers as well as other rail-transport related industries like agriculture and mining.

Saskatchewan Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre says the Tans Mountain Pipeline expansion project is important for landlocked provinces and the opportunities for greater participation from Indigenous communities on natural resource projects.

“The Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project is in the interest of all Canadians,” Eyre said in a release.  “Energy projects, including pipeline projects, are a source of prosperity.  Our government continues to advocate for vital energy infrastructure, which supports national unity and enhances the Saskatchewan and Canadian economy.”

The province says 2018, the lack of access to tidewater cost Saskatchewan producers approximately $3.7-billion in lost revenue and cost the Government of Saskatchewan $250-million in lost taxes, royalties and other revenue.  It adds the proposed $9.3-billion Trans Mountain Expansion Project would increase capacity from 300,000 barrels per day to 890,000 barrels per day, providing significant benefit to landlocked Canadian producers.

The hearing is scheduled for December.