The Coastal First Nations unequivocally supports

The Coastal First Nations unequivocally supports the
NDP’s plan in British Columbia to establish a “made in BC” Northern Gateway Project review process, said executive director Art Sterritt. “First Nations and all British Columbians have been waiting for the Liberal government to provide leadership on this issue and they have steadfastly failed at every turn,” he said.
   
NDP leader Adrian Dix promised that if he is elected premier next May, an NDP government would withdraw from the current environmental assessment of the project and set up an independent review.
   
The current National Energy Board review process is seriously flawed, according to Sterritt. “Enbridge is not respecting First Nations’ Aboriginal rights and title, which includes meaningful consultation and prior informed consent for the project.”
   
Sterritt said the Northern Gateway project is dangerous and short-sighted and would only make oil companies rich and leave oil spills in its wake, as well as cause environmental destruction and long-term economic damage to local communities, he said.
  
 “Mr. Dix’s plan would ensure that all the work we have completed in the last decade would result in a sustainable economy on the coast.”
   
Tsleil-Waututh Nation, however, is calling on Dix to clarify what a “made in B.C.” assessment of the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline would look like, and also that it would apply to Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline project. The nation opposes the Kinder Morgan pipeline, the end of which would be in the heart of Tsleil-Waututh territory.
   
“We commend Adrian Dix’s decision to withdraw from the federal government’s Enbridge Northern Gateway review process. We, too, feel that the federal process is flawed,” said Chief Justin George. “However, his announcement falls short. We need to know if the NDP’s proposed assessment would also apply to Kinder Morgan’s plans.”

Also lacking in Dix’s announcement was mention of First Nations’ legal rights. “Governments have a legal obligation to consult with First Nations,” said George.

“Should the B.C. NDP form government, we look forward to working closely with them to ensure that meaningful government-to-government consultation with First Nations occurs.”