Federal Government Fast-Tracks Pipeline Amid Concerns Over Endangered Whales

The Canadian government has announced its intention to designate a new West Coast oil pipeline as a 'national interest' project, raising concerns from environmentalists who argue that the move could further threaten the endangered southern resident killer whale population. The proposed pipeline, which would terminate at the Roberts Bank port terminal in British Columbia, has been met with opposition due to its potential impact on the already-small population of orcas living in the Salish Sea. The federal government's decision comes amid ongoing discussions between Ottawa and B.C. regarding measures to protect the whales, but critics argue that the timeline for the pipeline is insufficient for proper assessment and public input.