Sierra Club BC statement on Federal Court of Appeal ruling on Trans Mountain
Sierra Club BC released the following statement from campaigns director Caitlyn Vernon in response to the Federal Court of Appeal ruling on Trans Mountain:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 4, 2020
“Today’s ruling by the Federal Court of Appeal is deeply disappointing, even if unsurprising.
“Ignoring Indigenous rights and Indigenous law should not be held up as an example of reconciliation.
“Indigenous rights are human rights, and today’s decision is not in line with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“It ignores the climate crisis. It ignores the plight of the threatened southern resident orcas. And it ignores and disrespects Indigenous law itself.
“The federal government is on the wrong side of history with its support of fossil fuel expansion in the midst of a climate emergency.
“Ottawa’s determination to ram through Trans Mountain is a betrayal of future generations who will face worsening climate impacts long after the members of the Trudeau cabinet are dead and gone. We are already facing wildfires, drought and flooding. To worsen the climate crisis by expanding oil pipelines is a shameful dereliction of duty.
“Today in their press conference, the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Squamish Nation and Coldwater Indian Band have clearly stated this struggle is not over. Appeals are already before the Supreme Court of Canada.
“Sierra Club BC will continue to follow their lead and support them until justice is realized and their rights respected.”
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Media contact:
Tim Pearson
Director of Communications, Sierra Club BC
250-896-1556
tim@sierraclub.bc.ca
Photo: Arthur Chapman