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NEWS: Federal byelection set for Nov. 26 /A3 COMMUNITY: Pumpkin art returns to Oak Bay /A9 BUSINESS: Fundraiser turns back the clock /A12
OAK BAYNEWS Wednesday, October 24, 2012
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Approximately 3,000 people gathered in front of the B.C. legislature Monday to protest the Northern Gateway Pipeline project, including George and Brenda Knox. A protest is also expected this morning (Oct. 24) at the office of Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Ida Chong. The protests are organized by a coalition of groups that want to send a clear message to government about the plan to pipe crude oil from the Alberta oilsands to Kitimat, B.C. Sharon Tiffin/News staff
Protesters target MLA’s office Tim Collins Reporting
Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Ida Chong’s constituency office in Saanich will be the site of a protest this morning (Oct. 24) intended to drive home opposition to the Enbridge and Kinder Morgan pipeline proposals. The protest comes on the heels of Monday’s demonstration at the B.C. legislature where thousands of people organized by Defend Our Coasts, a loose coalition of First Nations, unions, environmental organizations and others, voiced their opposition to the project. Celine Trojand, coalition spokesperson, said that protesters will link arms in front of Chong’s office to show an “unbroken wall of opposition” to Enbridge. “She’s the minister for Aboriginal affairs and this is important to them (First Nations people),” said
Trojand. The demonstration at Chong’s office is one of a series of demonstrations targeting MLAs offices across the province today. Organizers want the protest to draw attention to Chong’s role and responsibilities regarding Aboriginal affairs. “It’s a swing riding (Oak Bay-Gordon Head) that was won by a very narrow margin,” said Trojand. “She (Chong) has to know that … the way she handles this issue will make a difference in the next election.” Chong says that she and the B.C. Liberal government share the group’s concern. “They’re saying what we’re saying. It’s a matter of risk/benefit and right now there’s nothing but risk.”
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In July, the provincial government outlined its position on the pipeline proposals by listing five points that needed resolution before the projects could proceed, including one that requires that aboriginal and treaty rights be addressed. “There are some 20 B.C. First Nations groups at the (federal joint review panel) hearings. Not one of them support the project. That tells us something,” said Chong. “If there is no support that develops from First Nations, I would have to go to the premier and say ‘we haven’t met that point and can’t proceed.’ I would have to oppose the project on those grounds.” PLEASE SEE: First Nations, Page A11
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