Squamish ruling lets B.C. government off hook, but Kinder Morgan fight far from over

“Today’s decision is disappointing. The courts have let the province off the hook when it comes to respect for Indigenous rights.

“Kinder Morgan’s pipeline and oil tanker project still faces significant risks, including vibrant ground resistance and numerous legal challenges in the Federal Court of Appeal from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim (Squamish Nation), other First Nations, local governments, and environmental advocacy groups.

“The National Energy Board review of Kinder Morgan’s pipeline and tanker project was widely criticized for failures in process, limiting of participation, lack of accountability, inadequate consultation with First Nations, and failure to evaluate the project with regard to Canada’s domestic and international commitments to climate action. The previous B.C. government used this discredited process as the basis for their approval.

“It is extremely unfortunate that the current provincial government chose to defend the previous government’s approach to Indigenous consultation in this case.

“The current B.C. and Canadian governments have committed to implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This court ruling represents the bottom of the barrel in terms of an effort to engage in a meaningful way with Indigenous rights.

“The Squamish Nation has 30 days to decide whether to appeal today’s decision. Sierra Club BC stands firmly behind the Nation’s continued fight for their rights and their home.”

-30-

Contact:

Tim Pearson
Communications Director
Sierra Club BC
(250) 896-1556
tim@sierraclub.bc.ca