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Thursday, May 27, 2010 by Eric Swanson

Dogwood Initiative Responds to Enbridge Regulatory Application

Dogwood Initiative Responds to Enbridge Regulatory Application

Enbridge will not be allowed to bring the risk of oil spills to our coast

Media Release
For immediate release May 27th 2010
Contact: Eric Swanson 250 381-3226 before 9:45am May 28th, afterwards contact Charles Campbell 250-858-9990

Dogwood Initiative Responds to Enbridge Regulatory Application

Multiple Years of Wasted Time, Energy, and Money to Ensue


VICTORIA – Responding to Enbridge’s filing of an application late today for their Northern Gateway tar sands pipeline and tanker project to BC’s coast, Dogwood Initiative’s Eric Swanson says:

“Unless Enbridge changes its mind like it did in 2006, we will now begin years of wasted time, energy, and money on a process that is not properly constituted, whose outcome is virtually guaranteed to be challenged in the courts, all for a project that the overwhelming majority of First Nations and coastal residents have said they will not let happen”

“Dogwood Initiative has been studying this proposal ever since it was announced in 2005. We cannot imagine a scenario where Enbridge, or any proponent, is able to overcome the political forces organized against a new West Coast pipeline. And we consider ourselves a fairly imaginative group of people.”

“The opposition to Enbridge’s project is growing by the day. If Enbridge CEO Patrick Daniel persists in ignoring the desires of British Columbians it will cost his company and this project’s investors a lot of wasted time, energy, brand capital and ultimately money.”

For its part, Dogwood Initiative will continue to work with its 25,000 supporters, and the growing coalition of First Nations, businesses, organizations, and prominent Canadians arrayed against the Northern Gateway project. British Columbians have been standing up and shutting down oil tanker proposals for close to fourty years. The organization is committed to helping the people of this province channel that same sentiment into this review.

Dogwood Initiative is a BC-based non-governmental organization that is campaigning for a permanent, federal oil tanker ban on the BC coast, with the aim of protecting coastal communities and ecosystems from what we feel would be inevitable oil spills. The campaign currently has over 25,000 supporters.

Contact: Eric Swanson 250 381-3226 before 9:45am May 28th, afterwards contact Charles Campbell 250-858-9990

Background:

  • Currently, 28 individual First Nation groups publicly oppose the project. To our knowledge zero First Nation groups publicly support the project.
  • Coastal First Nations are hosting a historic gathering in Kitimat this Saturday to cement their recent declaration banning oil tankers from their traditional waters. Speakers include David Suzuki, the First Nations Summit and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.
  • New polling released this week shows 80% of British Columbians are opposed to oil tanker traffic on our coast.
  • The National Energy Board Review for the project fails to meet the Crown's basic legal duties to First Nations in terms of consultation, meaning an affirmative result is virtually guaranteed to be challenged in court.
John Disney says:
Jun 01, 2010 05:47 PM
Good article today re/opposition to the pipeline. I admire your confidence. Me? I'm in economics and know these guys-I have grave worries.This is all about money! Enbridge has already asked the question "how much will it cost to bring the First Nations on side?" Laughable right? What about his scenario-that is actually brewing as i write. Enbridge approaches a key first nations of the many between Alberta and Kitimat; let's say the Haida. They say to the leaders, "I'll give you a $1M if you support the pipeline". Ha Ha forget it! "OK how about $100M", ahh no forget it, we stand firm against this issue. "So...how about $1B" Now the leader has a serious issue at hand. He could really do a lot with one billion dollars to make a better life for his nation, but should he sacrifice the environment? This game will go on until one First Nations folds. Then it will be a stampede for the door as no one will want to be left out of the pay out. To Enbridge, this is simply the cost of doing business. To us this is a matter of EVERYONE sticking together no matter what. But big money is a big temptation and Enbridge knows that game better than everyone. I hope I'm wrong but we all need to be totally committed to this.
Anne says:
Jun 18, 2010 07:08 PM
I am a First Nations on impact route! We are very serious about our stand against Enbridge! Our concern is a litte more now regarding the mess on Gulf? There will be more pressure put on the Tar Sands and to push the Pipeline though! We are and will continue to stand strong as more Nations are now supporting our cause, the instresting part of this process is that Non-Natives and Natives are now standing together on one common issue - No to Enbridge. My take on the money issue is the fact that if Enbridge offers any money to First Nations? Give the money to the people that are on the frontlines on the Gulf instead - they have nothing and are living hand to mouth and if anyone can identify with that would be the First Nations people! The fishermen and their children are going hungry, they have nothing? They are on the verge of losing everything! Only people with no soul can ignore that!
Adam says:
Jun 01, 2010 05:48 PM
How we ever got to this point where some humans feel they have an inherent right to exploit the Earth over others whom seek to protect it is amazing.

It is NOT.."The Government..Right or WRONG".

At all costs we WILL fight this, ..ALL costs!

Suppling China with Bitumin has NOTHING to do with Canada or Canadians!
Don't insult my inteligence Daniels!
Sandy Slobodian says:
Jun 01, 2010 05:48 PM
Yes! Thanks to all of you that stand for the right of the earth to protection from mankind's inability to deal with the need for energy without spoiling our own nest. You are the voice of reason that is increasingly being heard at the local level.
Julie says:
Jun 15, 2010 02:38 PM
Enbridge, can go right straight to hell. We support the First Nations People in their quest, to keep dirty oil tankers out of their waters. We support them, to keep dirty off shore oil and gas wells out of their coastal waters. We support them, in fighting the dirty toxic mine waste, keeping it out of Fish Lake, which will leach into the eco system. Every bird, animal and fish that use that lake, will die. First Nations, rely on moose, elk and deer, for food. Campbell has already started the destruction of the Peace Country. The Peace, has the most valuable farm land in Canada. Destroying habitat and farms, all for Arnold S. from California, he is running out of hydro. A global food shortage on the way, and the idiot is destroying farm land, just out of greed. This also destroys habitat for wild life. Our future generation may only get to see wild life on First Nations lands. He financially ruined this province, and now he will pollute, what is left, to pay for his mess. Campbell knowingly allowed Prince George people to breathe poisoned air, children especially were getting seriously ill. The wild salmon, are destroyed, the First Nations, rely on salmon to feed their children, so, they are losing that food source too. Campbell, Hansen and the BC Liberal government, are so rabid for money, they will destroy the entire province to get it. Nothing is safe nor sacred to a dictator. Corruption in Canada is rampant, and the little guy, is no longer able to pay for the corruption. I am afraid the government will steamroll the First Nations People, as they do us, and our gorgeous province will become a polluted wasteland. The Gulf spill, has taught them nothing. They are so stupid in saying, their dirty tankers and off shore wells are a 100% safe. And pigs will fly, if we believe that.
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