MURKY PROCESS PROMPTS FIRST NATION TO REJECT PIPELINE, MP CALLS FOR CLARITY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 1, 2011
MURKY PROCESS PROMPTS FIRST NATION TO REJECT PIPELINE,
MP CALLS FOR CLARITY
Tsleil-Waututh First Nation Opposes Trans Mountain Oil Pipeline Expansion, Ends Talks with Kinder Morgan
OTTAWA – Member of Parliament for Burnaby-Douglas and Associate Critic for Natural Resources Kennedy Stewart is calling on Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver to clarify the extent to which First Nations and other communities will be consulted about Kinder Morgan’s proposal to twin the Edmonton-Burnaby Trans Mountain Oil Pipeline.
Stewart’s call comes after receiving a copy of letter sent from the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation to Kinder Morgan stating the nation now opposes the company’s plan to expand the pipeline capacity from 300,000 to 700,000 barrels per day. The letter also states the Tsleil-Waututh will no longer engage in bilateral talks with Kinder Morgan in part due to uncertainty about the consultation process.
Stewart says, “Last week the Minister of Natural Resources told the House of Commons the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project would be subject to the same review process as all other pipeline projects. However, lack of detail is causing the process to fall apart even before it begins. The minister must assure the Tsleil-Waututh and other First Nations their rights will be respected and clarify the extent to which they and others will be heard during a project review.”
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For more information or a copy of the Tsleil-Waututh letter please contact:
Jaclyn Moneypenny, Office of Kennedy Stewart, 613-996-5597 or kennedy.stewart.a2@parl.gc.ca
Background
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/thirds+want+pipeline+twinned+poll+finds/5530687/story.html
