Tuesday, July 05, 2016

Canada's First Nations Stop Trans-Rockies Pipe

First Nations were successful in stopping Enbridge Inc's controversial Northern Gateway Pipeline intended to bring Alberta bitumen to the Pacific coast at Kitimat oil terminal. A federal appeals court found the government of Canada failed to effectively consult with affected First Nations and revoked the company's permit. Substantial consultation with First Nations affected by development projects is required by the federal constitution. The lawsuit against the project was brought by seven tribes, four environmental organizations and one labor union. Haida nation's leader described the decision as another nail in the coffin of the Northern Gateway project. The $7.9 billion project was proposed in the mid-oughts and was postponed several times. Recently the new Liberal prime minister, Justin Trudeau, banned tanker traffic from the stormy north coast of British Columbia.