(OTTAWA) - Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands), today denounced the Prime Minister’s decision to approve the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project as "political opportunism of the worst kind.
“Contrary to the Prime Minister’s claim that this decision is based on evidence, as an intervenor in the Kinder Morgan NEB process, I can confirm conclusively that there was no sufficient evidence before the NEB to justify this project. In fact, the NEB refused to hear evidence from UNIFOR that this project would cost Canadian jobs. The NEB ruled the economic impact and jobs impact was outside their mandate. British Columbians, and in particular First Nations – the Tsleil-Waututh, Musqueam, Squamish and Saanich Nations – face enormous risks from a sevenfold increase of tanker traffic through the hazardous passageways of Vancouver harbour and into the Salish Sea,” Ms. May said.
“British Columbians will undoubtedly react with outrage at this decision. The tanker ban on the North Coast of B.C. is welcome, but this irresponsible approval does nothing to alleviate fears of those who live, work and make their income from the environment on the southern coast,” Ms. May concluded.
Lynne Quarmby, GPC Science Policy Critic, said: "Building new fossil fuel infrastructure has no place in the transition to a post-carbon economy. Today's announcement makes clear that Justin Trudeau is on-board with all of the latest trends, including post-truth. Trudeau's political calculus is going to come hard up on some reality. You can't fool the climate; Science always wins. I fear the intensity of the protests to come."
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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Dan Palmer
Press Secretary | Attaché de presse
dan.palmer@greenparty.ca
m: (613) 614-4916