First Nations among the less than 20 per cent granted full status

Dozens of First Nations are among the 400 interveners the National Energy Board has accepted for the upcoming Kinder Morgan proposed Trans Mountain pipeline expansion hearing, slated to begin in August. More than 2,118 applications were received seeking intervener status for Kinder Morgan’s $5.4 billion pipeline expansion from Alberta to the company’s Westridge terminal in Burnaby, British Columbia. Intervener status was also granted to Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Environment Canada, and the Alberta and BC provincial governments. Written submissions will be accepted from an additional 1,250 individuals and groups. Changes to the NEB, effective July 2012, limit participation in the hearing to those directly impacted by the project as well as those with specific expertise or information.