Clinton says she can’t talk about Keystone

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is refusing to take a position on the controversial Keystone XL pipeline while arguing that America’s relationship with Canada is more important than any one project.

Clinton, who is embarked on a book tour that could presage a run for the presidency on 2016, has remained mum on her views of the pipeline, which is strongly opposed by environmental groups.

{mosads}She said she would not be able to take a stance on whether the U.S. should build the pipeline because during her time at the State Department, she played a role in reviewing it.

“I can’t really comment at great length because I had responsibility for it and it’s been passed on and it wouldn’t be appropriate, but I hope that Canadians appreciate that the United States government — the Obama administration — is trying to get it right,” Clinton said in an interview with Globe and Mail.

Still, she said the administration is right to be taking its time with the pipeline review.

When asked what she would say to Canadians who feel the relationship is being taken for granted, Clinton said Keystone XL is a small issue in the greater matters binding the two countries.

“Our relationship is so much bigger and more important than any one decision — even one as important as this is,” Clinton said. “Canada is critical to who we are and what we hope to do together in the future. We have no better relationship.”

Environmentalists argue that if Clinton doesn’t oppose the pipeline, it could hurt her chances in 2016.