Ottawa’s Kinder Morgan bailout plans cynical, ignore Indigenous opposition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 16, 2018
Sierra Club BC released the following statement from conservation and climate campaigner Mark Worthing in response to the federal government’s announcement that it will indemnify Kinder Morgan against risks involved in building the Trans Mountain Pipeline:
“The federal government is trying to create the illusion that the BC government is the sole cause of investor uncertainty, which is completely false.
“In doing so, the reality of Indigenous rights and title have been erased from discussion. This is cynical politics of the highest order and appears to be setting up BC taxpayers to bear the financial brunt of any potential NAFTA complaint that may be brought by Kinder Morgan.
“Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission have been cast aside.
“A promise to reduce fossil fuel subsidies has been turned on its head, with what amounts to a massive subsidy to Kinder Morgan.
“The Canadian government’s announcement to indemnify a risky fossil fuel project is akin to playing poker with the public pocket book. This move is a slap in the face to Canadians and marks a new low in the dark marriage between corporations and the state.
“Trudeau may think writing a blank cheque to Kinder Morgan will eliminate the political risk for investors, but many other risks remain, foremost among them Indigenous opposition.
“People-powered, Indigenous-led resistance in the courts, in the streets and on the land will continue to grow stronger the more Ottawa tries to ram this pipeline and tanker project through.”
-30-
Contact:
Mark Worthing
Conservation and Climate Campaigner
Sierra Club BC
(250) 889-3575
mark@sierraclub.bc.ca
