MP Kennedy Stewart calls for Government-to-Government Talks with First Nations on Pipeline

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 1, 2011

 MP Kennedy Stewart calls for Government-to-Government Talks with First Nations on Pipeline
Kinder Morgan’s proposed Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion crosses 15 First Nation Reserves

BURNABY, BC – MP Kennedy Stewart (Burnaby–Douglas) is calling on Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver to immediately begin government-to-government talks with affected First Nations regarding Kinder Morgan’s proposed Trans Mountain Oil Pipeline Expansion. Evidence recently uncovered by Stewart shows the proposed Edmonton-to-Burnaby pipeline will cross 15 reserves and at least 28 traditional First Nation territories in British Columbia.

According to Kennedy Stewart, “His promised joint panel review isn’t enough. The minister needs to show the proper respect and directly talk with these First Nations. Tensions are already mounting. One First Nation already opposes the pipeline expansion and refuses to engage in bilateral talks with Kinder Morgan.”

When questioned by Stewart in the House of Commons, Oliver rejected government-to-government talks with First Nations and has since proposed to reduce public input on major projects, including pipelines.

Stewart says, “The absence of treaties means First Nations have a near veto over major projects in disputed territories in British Columbia. The minister just doesn’t seem to get it. His lack of care in this matter not only threatens to derail his pet projects, but further undermine relations with First Nations overall. BC cannot afford this.”

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Kennedy Stewart is the Official Opposition Critic for Western Economic Diversification, Associate Natural Resources Critic for Western Canada and member of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources.

For more information, please contact:

Jaclyn Moneypenny, Office of Kennedy Stewart, 613-996-5597 or kennedy.stewart.a2@parl.gc.ca

Please see attached for an appendix including the following: 

• List of BC First Nation Reserves Directly Intersected by the Trans Mountain Pipeline
• List of BC First Nation Statement of Intent Boundaries by the Trans Mountain Pipeline
• Video links for Kennedy Stewart’s Questions and Statement to the House of Commons
• Link to Kinder Morgan’s Open Season Call
• Link to Minister Oliver’s speech to the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association
• Transcript of Questions and Statement to the House of Commons
• Letter to Kinder Morgan from Tsleil-Watuth Nation