Prince Rupert VOL. 8 no. 52
Wednesday, December 25, 2013 FREE
Merry Christmas
Business Pacific NorthWest LNG opens office Page A7
From the Staff and Management of The Northern View
Arts On the rise at the Lester Centre Page A8
Joint Review Panel approves Northern Gateway Sports Rapids place second in Kitimat Page A11
Haida Gwaii Buildings coming down in 2014 Page B1
Opponents quick to question integrity of panel process By Shaun Thomas PRINCE RUPERT / The Northern View
The Enbridge Northern Gateway Joint Review Panel has recommended the federal government approve the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline, subject to 209 conditions. “Based on a scientific and precautionary approach to this complex review, the panel found that the project, if built and operated in compliance with the conditions set out in its report, would be in the public interest,” read a statement from the panel. The panel found that “opening Pacific Basin markets is important to the Canadian economy and society.” The panel also found that “the project would bring significant local, regional, and national economic and social benefits”. But those assertions did not sit well with project opponents, who called the
“It is a sad day for democracy when we know our voices haven’t been heard.” - Jennifer Rice recommendation an affront to democracy. “As British Columbians, we feel very disappointed and let down ... it is a sad day for democracy when we know our voices haven’t been heard,” said North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice while surrounded by supporters at a news conference on Dec. 19. Those sentiments were echoed by Tsimshian hereditary chiefs Clarence Nelson and Murray Smith who, although not
speaking on behalf of their bands until they had time to speak to other tribes, said this recommendation should only serve to bring First Nations together. “Personally I hope that this will unite First Nations. We have to speak with one voice because this will affect our Nations in different ways,” said Nelson, who called it “cold hearted news”. “I am so, so disappointed that our voices were not heard again. My concern is always whether we will be heard or whether we will be pushed to the side and it is clear that is what has happened again ... we are one voice, and that voice is saying no,” added Smith. Skeena - Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen wasn’t surprised by the panel’s decision, calling the process bias from the start. He said he expects the project will now move from the public domain into the courthouse. See ENBRIDGE on Page A3
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