The seven-member JRP has announced it will need until December to finish its environmental and socio-economic assessment of the project, taking 47 months to do a job it was asked to do in 10. Oil companies have spent nearly $500 million to get the pipeline to this stage. With regulatory delays and the collapse of gas and oil prices, companies are looking towards cheaper shale gas discoveries in British Columbia and elsewhere.

Environment Minister Jim Prentice announced the federal government would contribute to infrastructure costs and cover expenses related to the long regulatory process. Critics say the offer is in conflict of interest and creates doubt the government will make a fair and objective environmental assessment decision.