Rona Ambrose fears Kinder Morgan pipeline at risk

CTV National News: A hollow victory The B.C. Liberals won a slim minority but recounts and absentee ballots could still change the result. Todd Battis reports.

OTTAWA -- Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose suggested Wednesday she's worried what the British Columbia election result means for Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain pipeline, with the possibility the Greens could help the NDP form a minority government.

"It's absolutely a blow for the pipeline," Ambrose said on her way into question period in Ottawa.

"Kinder Morgan became an issue in the B.C. election ... We all need [the prime minister] to go out to B.C. and sell this pipeline. This is an important national project. It's important for the economy of this entire country, but particularly for the western economy.

The British Columbia Green Party holds the balance of power in the province, having elected three MLAs, with the B.C Liberals winning 43 seats and the NDP earning 41.

B.C. NDP Leader John Horgan has promised to stop the pipeline expansion, which the federal government approved last year.

Federal Green Party Leader Elizabeth May says she can't insert herself into the discussion, but pointed to the Green Party's platform.

"The B.C. Greens have been very, very clear, as have the federal Green Party representatives: we oppose the Kinder Morgan pipeline," May said in an interview with Don Martin, host of CTV's Power Play.

"There's a lot of obstacles remaining for Kinder Morgan. This election is another one," she said.

Earlier Wednesday, May congratulated her provincial counterparts for doubling the party's popular vote in the province in Tuesday's election.

"As I campaigned with Adam [Olsen], Sonia [Furstenau] and other incredible B.C. Green candidates over the past month, I witnessed a deep desire for change. This change can now be realized," May said in a statement Wednesday morning.

"Under the leadership of Andrew Weaver, the B.C. Greens have become a legitimate political force, one which can lead British Columbia towards a progressive, sustainable economy."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he looks forward to watching how things unfold in B.C., noting Canada's "strong institutions" are set up to deal with complex situations.

"It was a tough fought election," Trudeau said on his way into the weekly federal Liberal caucus meeting.

"I congratulate everyone who got elected and look forward to working with B.C. on many big issues that matter to British Columbians and to Canadians."

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair says he's proud of the campaign run by B.C. NDP Leader John Horgan and his team.

"There are still a lot of things that are uncertain, but one thing is certain," Mulcair said before question period.

"A majority of British Columbians voted for change. That's a sure sign."