MLAs blast approval of another Williston pipeline

This week the provincial government approved a water license that will allow the annual removal of upwards of 7.3 billion litres of water from the Williston Reservoir near Hudson's Hope.

The contract is for Cambrian Energy and was submitted at the same time as a Talisman license. That license was approved in July, also drawing criticism.

In June, Energy Minister Rich Coleman said there would be extensive public consultation as well as negotiations with First Nations before the pipelines would be approved. It appears this hasn't been done.

Both Simpson and Huntington have asked the Premier to create a Special Legislative Committee to examine the development of B.C.'s hydraulic fracturing, particularly the use of fresh water.