B.C. First Nations leader dismisses conditions attached to Enbridge pipeline decision

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      Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, the president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, says he is shocked and “deeply disappointed” with a federal panel’s decision on the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline.

      The Joint Review Panel recommended today (December 19) that the federal government approve the project, subject to 209 conditions.

      “I don’t think that the 209 conditions will in any way, shape or form mitigate a disastrous tanker spill or catastrophic pipeline rupture somewhere in the mountains of northern British Columbia,” Phillip told the Straight by phone.

      “I just can’t believe that the Joint Review Panel would have given this project the green light.”

      Phillip predicted that today’s decision will lead to a “groundswell of anger and frustration”, and a re-emergence of the Idle No More movement.

      “This has been one of the most high-profile public issues here in the province of British Columbia, and all of the various groups that have expressed grave concerns about this project have made it abundantly clear that they’re prepared to engage in legal action,” he stated.

      “I think the only winner today is the legal profession itself, because I imagine there’s a lot of calls being made to lawyers.”

      The proposed Northern Gateway project would transport oil from Bruderheim, Alberta to Kitimat, B.C. 

      Comments

      3 Comments

      Laurie Watt

      Dec 20, 2013 at 8:06am

      Along with most British Columbians I am opposed to this project and will support all actions to stop it. One clarification is required: the pipeline would not transport oil, it would transport toxic chemical diluent from west to east, and diluted bitumen from east to west. This is vastly different from transporting oil.

      Lance

      Dec 27, 2013 at 1:24pm

      "First Nations do not own the whole province sorry....immigrants from Europe/Siberia just like the rest of us.

      Norma Green

      Dec 28, 2013 at 12:49pm

      Thank heaven for First Nations as they care about the health of air, water, earth in order to save our environment. Otherwise,corporations, greedy people would sell it and then wonder why so many people are dying of cancer and other illnesses that continue to deciminate people. This includes people of all nations, where they are keepers of this land or have come from other countries.