There is renewed talk of shipping western oil through the port in Churchill, Manitoba, but any such project could meet with a lot of opposition.

The Saskatchewan government this week raised the idea of supporting efforts to build a pipeline to Churchill.  (A map of the proposed pipeline shows it coming through the Flin Flon area on its way to Churchill.)

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says the idea of exporting energy products through the port is worth considering and would help ensure the port's future.

Eric Reder (REE'-dur), Manitoba director for the Wilderness Committee, calls it a terrible idea for the environment.

Reder says the boggy terrain in northern Manitoba shifts and heaves, which increases the chance of a rupture or spill.

An idea to ship oil by rail through the area was floated in 2013, but was criticized by the Manitoba government and many area residents.

The head of Churchill's chamber of commerce says there would be big economic benefits to a pipeline, but people would have to be persuaded that it would not harm the area's polar bears, beluga whales and other wildlife.