Tsleil-Waututh Nation says NEB Pipeline Process Deeply Flawed

Nation calls on Federal government to meet its constitutional obligations

NORTH VANCOUVER, and COAST SALISH TERRITORY, BC, Dec. 17, 2013 /CNW/ - In response to yesterday's announcement that Kinder Morgan has filed a formal application with the National Energy Board (NEB), Tsleil-Waututh Nation is denouncing the pipeline review process. The Nation says the NEB review is fundamentally flawed because it is incapable of meeting the Crown's constitutional obligations to Tsleil-Waututh and other First Nations.

"So much focus is being put on the NEB process, but the review in no way absolves the Federal government of its constitutional obligations," says Chief Maureen Thomas, Tsleil-Waututh Nation. "The NEB's findings will be irrelevant if the Federal government fails to uphold its constitutional obligations with us."

"If Kinder Morgan's pipeline were to be approved, it would have a devastating impact on our people," continues Chief Thomas. "We have considered the risks and have made a decision to oppose the expansion of this pipeline, based on our sacred obligation to protect our lands and waters."

The Nation, whose territory is at the terminus of the Trans Mountain pipeline, has already experienced the results of crude oil handling and refining on Burrard Inlet for a number of decades. The Nation stands to be adversely affected by a new pipeline and the associated increase in tanker traffic. Kinder Morgan's pipeline proposal would see the transport of crude oil expanded from its present level of approximately 300,000 barrels per day to 890,000 barrels per day.

About Tsleil-Waututh Nation
Tsleil-Waututh Nation is a progressive and vibrant Coast Salish community of approximately 500 members. The Nation is located along the shores of Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada, across the Inlet from the Burnaby terminus of Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain pipeline.

The Nation's Sacred Trust Initiative is mandated to oppose and stop the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline project. For more information visit http://www.twnsacredtrust.ca and follow the Sacred Trust Initiative on Twitter: @TWNSacredTrust.

SOURCE: Tsleil-Waututh Nation

Media Contact: 
Tsleil-Waututh Nation
604-358-3371
[email protected]