Carrier Sekani Tribal Council points out enbridge review process flaws

AND I AM SO WITH THEM !!!

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council
News Release
December 4, 2009

Joint Review Panel too weak to address First Nations and Public Interests

Dakelh Traditional Territory/Prince George, BC – The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC) is not surprised the National Energy Board (NEB) and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) has issued a Joint Panel Agreement for the review of the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline Project (Enbridge Pipeline). “It is unacceptable that the Government of Canada continues to break its own laws regarding meaningful consultation with First Nations by setting up a Joint Review Panel without First Nations involvement” stated Vice Tribal Chief Terry Teegee.

“CSTC communities were not consulted or involved in the establishment of this Joint Review Panel”, notes Vice Chief Teegee. “Here we go again! The Tsay Keh Nay (Takla Lake First Nation, Kwadacha First Nation and Tsay Keh Dene) who participated in the Kemess Joint Review in protest, fought for over 5 years to save Amazay (Duncan) Lake. CSTC and other First Nations will be prepared to fight the Enbridge Pipeline once again.” The Takla Lake First Nation have released a report that outlines their experience with the Joint Review Panel for the Kemess North decision, which stopped the dumping of 300 million tonnes of waste rock into Amazay Lake..

This proposed Enbridge pipeline will cross over 15 First Nations, 6 of which are members of the CSTC. It could be a 1,170 km long, 30 m wide, twin pipeline transporting the dirtiest, most toxic products from the oil sands in Alberta to the BC Coast and beyond. Huge super tanks are proposed to transport the oil from the North West coast to Asia and the rest of the world, further putting coastal ecosystems at risk.

“Just think. They are still cleaning up the mess from the Exxon Valdez accident. The proposed Enbridge pipeline will have twice as much oil going through it in one day, than what was spilled by Exxon Valdez in 1989.” stated Vice Chief Teegee. Teegee continued, “Canada is suggesting contributing to climate change by exporting this dirty oil, which is bound for Asian markets and the United States? No wonder Canada’s reputation is in tatters when it comes to setting targets for carbon emissions, Canada’s priorities are backwards in our fight against carbon emissions and climate change.” .”

Talks begin next week in Copenhagen, Denmark to develop a new international framework to combat climate change and replace the Kyoto Protocol. Vice Chief Teegee will be attending these meetings with a delegation of other First Nations Chiefs from across Canada and the world. “I’ll be talking a lot about this proposed Enbridge pipeline with international leaders in Copenhagen. Our lands are not for sale, we have said no to this project already in 2006. The potential detrimental impacts of a pipeline that would exist for over 200 years in our lands are not acceptable, especially for our grandchildren.”

In 2006, CSTC conducted an Aboriginal Interest and Use Study (AIUS) examining the impacts of the Enbridge Gateway pipeline. Extensive community consultations were had with CSTC members, and the risks of spills, accidents and sabotage were too high. The toxicity of the materials being transported is too high and even low amounts will have detrimental effects on the 785 watercourses and fragile fish habitats that are necessary for the survival of declining salmon stocks which are on the brink of extinction.

“These government reviews are too narrow in scope, and don’t account for impacts to Aboriginal rights and title. We have a right to free, prior and informed consent when it comes to development in our territories. Under their current Environmental Assessment framework a Joint Review Panel does not have legislation to address our rights and to make decisions on our behalf.” stated Vice Tribal Chief Terry Teegee.

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For more information, contact Vice Tribal Chief Terry Teegee at 250-562-6279

Links to backgrounders:

Enbridge Gateway Pipeline Project –