'Rule of law' will prevent violence on pipeline routes, says natural resources minister

Pipeline companies are worried over the safety of their workers in face of potentially violent protests, Canada's natural resources minister was told Thursday in Edmonton.

"I'm concerned about the safety and care of those individuals and the communities they're going to be working in," Paul de Jong, president of the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada, told Jim Carr at a meeting with business leaders.  

De Jong said his organization represents construction companies from across Canada that might employ workers on the newly-approved Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline expansion from Alberta to Burnaby, B.C., and the replacement of Enbridge's Line 3 pipeline from Alberta to Wisconsin.

Opponents have since vowed to delay or kill the projects by any means possible.

Carr explained while it's important protesters have the opportunity to peacefully express their opposition, the government will ensure workers are safe.

"If people determine for their own reasons that that's not the path they want to follow, then we live under the rule of law," he said to applause.

"He said the word 'rule of law' which I think is critical," de Jong said later.

"Obviously this is a complicated matter, and the government has correctly no place in taking away the right of Canadians to object. But rule of law is critical, and the minister's response was critical."

After the meeting, Carr explained his remarks were not intended as a threat or warning.

"Hardly," he said.

But he added, "If someone says, 'What happens if they break the law?' then the answer is, 'If anybody breaks the law they will be dealt with the same as any person by law enforcement officials.' "