More than 45 people protested Monday against the recent pipeline purchase by the federal government outside MP Mark Strahl’s office in Chilliwack.
“We’re here today to oppose the Trudeau buyout of Kinder Morgan pipeline,” said Michael Hale of PIPE UP.
Those waving placards along Vedder Road were objecting to the purchase of the Trans Mountain pipeline announced last week by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, “on a whole variety of grounds,” Hale underlined.
But the one thing that united just about everybody, he noted, was a key question.
“The question is, why would Kinder Morgan sell the pipeline if it was of any economic benefit?
“I think that’s a question the Prime Minister has to ask himself,” Hale said. “Apart from that, the lack of consultation with First Nations that’s clear. “
The lengthy NEB review was a complete “farce.”
“It was a denial of fundamental justice. We couldn’t cross examine Kinder Morgan’s evidence,” said Hale.
The “lack of science” in the pipeline expansion approval process undertaken by the NEB was “shocking,” to the activist.
“I’ve heard the Prime Minister claim the decision was based on science. Well no, not exactly, because the science on spills of dilbit, diluted bitumen, was not allowed to be entered into evidence,” Hale said. “And the science of climate change was not allowed to be entered into evidence. So don’t say this was based on science.
“The bottom line is if this pipeline goes ahead it will deal a serious blow to any hope of climate action by Canada.”
READ MORE: Chilliwack reacts to buyout
READ MORE: PM arrives at Cheam
@CHWKjourno
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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