Trans Mountain pipeline gets go ahead despite concerns of Indigenous groups
Canada has officially rejected the Indigenous appeal to stop the Trans Mountain pipeline.
The $7.8 billion pipeline — which will carry nearly a million barrels of oil per day from Alberta to B.C. — has seen a number of delays, but will now go ahead as planned.
On February 4, the Federal Court of Appeal ruled that after "reasonable" consultations were carried out with Indigenous peoples, the court has decided to dismiss their appeal.
The decision was unanimous.
The meat of the FCA decision on TMX. Duty to consult does not equate to a veto or a need for perfection. pic.twitter.com/yRUIDbFS8q
— Andrew Leach 🇨🇦 🚲 (@andrew_leach) February 4, 2020
Of the 129 Indigenous groups impacted by the pipeline, 120 either support it or are neutral. Forty-three Indigenous groups have signed benefit agreements with the project.
Premier of Alberta Jason Kenney called the court ruling a "win" for Albertans.
Another win on the #TMX pipeline for Alberta!
— Jason Kenney (@jkenney) February 4, 2020
Pleased to see this unanimous decision by the Federal Court of Appeal to reject this challenge.
Now let’s get it built. pic.twitter.com/vcTU3V0KYJ
The Indigenous groups opposed to the decision were understandably disappointed.
Rueben George of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation reminded Canadians of the significant environmental impact that the pipeline will have, adding that the government "is incapable of making sound decisions for Canada."
"This is not over," George said.
The Unist'ot'en Camp voiced their condemnation for the decision on social media, writing, "We have no fear. We will win."
1/2 #WereNotLeaving.
— Unist'ot'en Camp (@UnistotenCamp) February 4, 2020
As Canada prepares to violently invade our lands, we have no fear. We are peacefully living on our lands and upholding our laws, as we always have.
These lands will always be #Unistoten
Support: https://t.co/vaiMpFUi15 pic.twitter.com/T6Iw3xn3iv
So far, Canadians have been divided over the decision.
Some are standing in solidarity with the Indigenous groups opposed to the pipeline.
Hands up to Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, Coldwater, and Stó:lō Nations for their ongoing and eternal work to safeguard their territories and peoples.
— Tegan Hansen (@talltegan) February 4, 2020
This is not over. Thousands of people are ready to stand together to make sure the #TransMountain pipeline will never be built. pic.twitter.com/M9oqcxZTAs
And others are thrilled that the TMX pipeline can finally move forward.
Good news!
— Ken Robinson (@KPRobinson0155) February 4, 2020
Thank you Rachel & Justin for all your hard work to get the approvals done correctly so this important (and maybe last) pipeline can be built.#cdnpoli #abpoli https://t.co/mtxUZbSBKg
The Indigenous groups against the Trans Mountain expansion project confirmed that they have already submitted another appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.
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