Like oil and water? Canada's administrative and legal framework for oil sands pipeline development and climate change mitigation

This article examines the legal dimensions of energy development and environmental protection in respect of the oil pipeline approval process in Canada. More specifically, focusing on TransCanada's controversial "Energy East" oil pipeline proposal, this article argues that the oil pipeline approval process in Canada is on a collision course with the core principles of sustainable development law, the constitutional protection of free speech and democratic self-government, and administrative independence in Canada. The article concludes by exploring the relationship between oil pipelines and energy development more generally - and fundamental democratic values. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.