While hundreds of people and several northwest First Nations gathered in Prince Rupert on Thursday to protest Enbridge’s proposed Northern Gateway pipeline project, the company says it is important to note that the company does have support from First Nations when it comes to moving the project forward.
“While it’s true that some First Nations are expressing firm opposition, it would be incorrect to portray that as a unanimous or majority view. In recent months Enbridge has entered into more than a dozen commercial agreements with Aboriginal groups related to the construction of Northern Gateway. We continue to be in active negotiation with dozens more,” said company spokesperson Paul Stanway.
“Enbridge has been consulting with Aboriginal communities for several years, and will continue to do so in order to understand Aboriginal interests so that we can avoid or minimize potential impacts. We’ll continue listening and working through the issues...Not everyone will support Northern Gateway – we understand that – but Enbridge believes the Joint Review Panel process will enable everyone to have their questions answered and concerns addressed. It is our belief that people’s concerns will decrease dramatically as they learn more about what we’re proposing and our commitment to safeguard the environment.”
More information on the review process can be found at www.gatewaypanel.review.gc.ca.