"It's about the economy, stupid": Unifor files for a judicial review to stop Northern Gateway

OTTAWA, July 15, 2014 /CNW/ - The Northern Gateway pipeline will do more harm than good to the economy, according to Canada's largest union in the private sector. Arguing that the National Energy Board presented a deeply flawed report to federal cabinet, Unifor will join multiple First Nations and environmental organizations using legal grounds to stop the unpopular pipeline from being built.

"The Northern Gateway pipeline brings sky-high risks to Canadians but only foreign oil companies will benefit," said Jerry Dias, Unifor's National President. "We will not stand by while Stephen Harper runs roughshod over Canadian jobs, First Nations' rights, and environmental concerns."

The Northern Gateway pipeline (and pending Kinder Morgan and Keystone XL projects) will ship unrefined bitumen to foreign markets. But according to the Alberta Federation of Labour, only 228 permanent jobs will be created from the pipeline.

"Canadian natural resources should create long-term Canadian jobs and meet Canadians' energy needs," said Dias. "Unifor stands united with the groups demanding that the federal government stop reckless pipeline projects and invest in greener jobs that can support families."

130 First Nations, most BC municipalities, and at least half of British Columbians oppose the Enbridge Northern Gateway proposal.

Unifor was founded Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged. With more than 305,000 members, Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector.

SOURCE: Unifor

please contact Unifor Communications Representative Ian Boyko at 778-903-6549 (cell) or [email protected]