B.C. to intervene in Trans Mountain pipeline review

The B.C. government has filed to register as an intervenor in the National Energy Board's reconsideration of aspects of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.

But Environment Minister George Heymanquestions whether the 22-week timeline set by the federal governmentis sufficient.

"The courts found, as we had said, that the marine impacts haven't been properly considered, so of course we are going to intervene in the NEB process to ensure it's a robust process," he said.

"The federal government should not have pre-determined the amount of time the NEB should take. It's important that the process is thorough."

• 'More was required of Canada': Ruling shows where Ottawa fell short with First Nations on Trans Mountain

The new NEB process was announced following a Federal Court of Appeal decision in late August that halted construction of the pipeline's expansion.

The court found theregulator failed to adequately consider theimpact of tanker traffic on the marine environment.

The ruling found the federal government also failed in its constitutional duty to "engage in a considered, meaningful two-way dialogue" with First Nations affectedby the project.

• First Nations express doubts, hopes for Ottawa's new Trans Mountain consultation effort

Natural Resources MinisterAmarjeetSohisaid Ottawa willappoint retired Supreme Court Justice FrankIacobuccito oversee the new round of consultations with 117 First Nations.

As an intervener in the NEB process, the B.C. government says it will advocate for meaningful engagement withIndigenous groups and a proper assessment of theeffects of increased shipping on marine life, including southern resident killer whales.

B.C. Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver and Green MLAAdam Olsen, the party's spokesperson for Indigenous relations and reconciliation, have also applied to intervene in the NEB hearings.

Read more from CBC British Columbia