An aboriginal band based within North Vancouver is launching legal action against the Canadian government over the Kinder Morgan pipeline’s review process.
The Tsleil-Waututh Nation argues it was not properly consulted before the National Energy Board decided in April to go forward with a review process of the proposed pipeline and tanker project that would transport oil from Alberta to B.C.’s coast.
Band Chief Maureen Thomas said at a press conference May 2 the government has been ignoring the band’s wishes.
“We’re going to fight. You know, the government had the opportunity to sit at the table with us, and to converse with us, to try to find a solution to this issue but they refused,” she said.
“It’s a sad day for me. I feel the government has let us down again. They have not learned from past lessons.”
This is the first legal challenge of its kind against the project by a First Nations group.
Thomas said she's concerned about the environmental impacts the pipeline would have on the band’s territory.
Kinder Morgan came under fire earlier this week when a statement in its proposal said an oil spill could create economic benefits for B.C.
