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Five major oil pipeline construction and/or expansion projects in various stages of development across Canada would, if completed, collectively carry up to 3.7 billion barrels of Western crude oil a day to refineries in Eastern Canada or on to markets in the US, Europe and Asia. With a total price tag of more than $26.7 billion, these initiatives could kick-start the Canadian economy, create tens of thousands of jobs and provide secure markets for a major expansion of oilsands production. They would also significantly boost Canada’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, cut across sensitive natural areas from one end of the country to the other, and increase the risk of a major rupture or marine spill that could have devastating long-term consequences. The pipeline projects also face concerted opposition and increasing legal challenges from First Nations, municipalities, landowners and environmental groups. Willms & Shier has acted and is acting as counsel to Interveners in a number of pipeline hearings.