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Citizens call on Prime Minister to reform National Energy Board, reject Line 9
PRESS RELEASE
November 23, 2015
Montreal, QC
Citizens call on Prime Minister to reform National Energy Board, reject Line 9
PHOTO OP: People holding banners in front of Trudeau's office
MONTREAL: Protestors gathered this morning to demand that Prime Minister Trudeau fulfill his campaign promise to reform the National Energy Board (NEB), and to reject the inversion of the Enbridge Line 9 pipeline. The group held banners outside Trudeau's office and encouraged passerby to personally call Mr. Trudeau about their concerns Line 9 and the NEB process.
“The current pipeline approval process heavily lacks consultation with communities along the route, including First Nations communities,” said Lily Schwarzbaum, a participant. “Many who would be affected by a spill were excluded from the NEB hearings because they were not living directly in the pathway of the pipeline. This undemocratic and inaccessible process has left the drinking water and agricultural land of many at risk.”
In early November the National Energy Board gave final approval to Enbridge to pump tar sands through the 40-year old pipeline, despite strong concern and rejection from citizens in Ontario and Quebec.[1] Notably, the Chippewas of the Thames are currently bringing the Canadian government to the Supreme Court for failure to consult their Nation about Line 9, according to the Canadian constitution and treaty obligations.[2]
During his election campaign, Prime Minister Trudeau promised an overhaul of the National Energy Board and the reevaluation of currently proposed pipeline projects, but recently stated that business would continue as usual.[3] “The Prime Minister must be accountable to his constituents and institute stronger evaluations for all federal infrastructure, including the crumbling Line 9 pipeline” said Jeanne Beauchamp, participant. “He cannot allow the Line 9 reversal to take place before this happens.”
“A suitable process would include wider and more thorough consultation with communities along the pipeline, demand rigorous safety standards for infrastructure including hydrostatic testing, and consider the impacts of climate change as a result of tar sands expansion,” concluded Jen Gobby, participant.
Contact: Lily Schwarzbaum, (514) 553 7693
Source: http://montreal.mediacoop.ca/newsrelease/34178
