GATEWAY: B.C. natives object to pipeline project

Mark Hume
Globe and Mail
Sep. 01, 2009

Haisla First Nation objects to plan for twin pipeline system Edmonton to Kitimat

An Indian band on the British Columbia coast has raised concerns about a proposed new northern pipeline and tanker port that is now under federal review.

In a letter to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and Enbridge Inc., the Haisla First Nation expresses objections to the plan for a new twin pipeline system from near Edmonton to a marine terminal in Kitimat.

The proposed project, being jointly proposed by Enbridge Inc. and Enbridge Northern Gateway Project, would export petroleum from and import condensate to the oil fields in northern Alberta.

“The potential impacts of oil spills associated with the proposed project are of significant concern,” said the letter sent by Dolores Pollard, chief councillor of the Haisla Nation.

The letter was released on Tuesday.

Ms. Pollard said the Haisla have not been meaningfully engaged by the government in the review process and have concerns “with respect to Enbridge's ability to safeguard the environment.”

Ms. Pollard said the the native organization “will take every necessary step, including resort to the courts, to continue the protection of our people and our rights.”

Comments on the project from Donovan & Co. on behalf of Haisla Nation, 24-Aug-2009

Northern Gateway Pipeline Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
http://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/details-eng.cfm?CEAR_ID=21799