The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge Moore Butts Conversation #28 - Why Are Pipelines So Hard To Build?
Nov 25, 2025
In this discussion, Gerald Butts, former principal secretary to Prime Minister Trudeau, and James Moore, ex-federal cabinet minister under Harper, delve into the complex world of pipeline development in Canada. They highlight historical struggles and the emotional stakes tied to national identity. Legal and cultural tensions complicate approvals, while political opportunism often stifles solutions. Afterward, the conversation shifts to jet fighter procurement, exploring lobbying influences and future military strategies with a focus on evolving technologies like drones.
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Pipelines Inherently Cross Many Interests
- Building and transporting resources across many jurisdictions creates persistent political and legal friction in Canada.
- Gerald Butts says pipelines trigger competing regional benefits that make agreement inherently difficult.
Multiple Legitimate Grounds For Opposition
- Opposition to pipelines can be economic, legal, cultural or political and each provides legitimate grounds to say no.
- James Moore notes legal uncertainty over Indigenous claims and liability complicates any route through British Columbia.
CEO Predicted Critics Would Claim Sabotage
- Gerald Butts phoned an energy CEO after the government bought the Trans Mountain pipeline and was told pundits would claim it was bought to shut the project down.
- That CEO predicted by Friday critics would say the purchase aimed to stop the pipeline.