Enbridge court argument claiming Aboriginal support called delusional – The Vancouver Observer
Jul 20th, 2015
First Nations opposition to Northern Gateway is broad and deep, say leaders, and Enbridge has no right to try to speak on their behalf.
First Nations leaders across the province are reacting with anger and disbelief today after learning Enbridge has claimed in court that most impacted Aboriginal groups support its Northern Gateway pipeline and tankers proposal.
In documents recently filed with the Federal Court of Appeal, Northern Gateway is attempting to speak on behalf of First Nations, say First Nations leaders, which is not only disrespectful but proof that the company’s claim is out of touch with reality.
“Let’s be clear, First Nations have overwhelmingly rejected the Northern Gateway project,” Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs said in a press release Monday. “When Enbridge chooses to join us in the real world it will see there’s a wall of deeply committed First Nations that have said Northern Gateway is never going to happen.”
First Nations whose territories comprise a majority of the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline and tanker routes, and many downstream First Nations potentially impacted by the threat of oil spills, have publically declared opposition to the project, yet Northern Gateway claims in its written argument to the court that: “Most affected Aboriginal groups are supportive of the Project and are looking forward to the social and economic benefits it will bring if allowed to proceed.”
MS4
