I always laugh when people ask why the NDP and Greens don't merge...

I see this as a suitably noncommital response to a project that almost definitely won't happen.

I think his initial comments were that, but they're moving in the wrong direction (for somebody against the pipeline that is). He's moved from just suggesting Indigenous consultation, to framing it as a project that will make Canada stronger and has support in Manitoba.

In terms of playing politics, I suspect his phrasing will go over well with Manitobans. I think I'm just personally against the direction that we're moving in, and I have growing worries that it will indeed get built based on these statements.

The environmental portfolio has been the weakest in Kinew's government pretty much since Day 1, and it certainly hasn't improved.

Right now, I think he's probably correct that such a project has strong support, or at worst apathy amongst Manitobans. That would likely change if the project were to get off the ground, a route was selected, and land appropriations began, but that's all very hypothetical at this stage.