Will Pipelines Pump Controversy & Federal NDP Leadership Rac

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Will Pipelines Pump Controversy into the Federal NDP Leadership Race?

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A touchy subject for some means candidates must plan carefully, say observers.

By Jeremy J. Nuttall , 3 Mar 2017 | TheTyee.ca
Jeremy J. Nuttall is The Tyee’s reader-funded Parliament Hill reporter in Ottawa. Find his previous stories here.

The debate over pipelines has been touted to be a big issue as federal New Democrats prepare to choose a new leader. With three candidates having officially entered the race so far, stances on pipelines may well be varied — and controversial.

Political observers who spoke with The Tyee are split on how much pipelines will play into the race, however.

Pipelines have long been an issue that creates friction among progressives in Canada. In general, environmentalists oppose pipeline projects, while others, particularly in unionized trades, say they provide well-paid jobs for the working class.

University of Toronto political science professor Nelson Wiseman said the topic was so touchy during the 2015 federal election that current NDP leader Tom Mulcair “spoke on both sides of the issue.”

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