Oral evidence from First Nations to NEB in Nanaimo on impact of expanded Trans Mountain pipeline

Oral evidence from First Nations to NEB in Nanaimo on impact of expanded Trans Mountain pipeline
CHEK

The National Energy Board is hearing oral evidence from First Nations groups in Nanaimo Monday the impact of marine shipping of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. File photo.

The National Energy Board is hearing oral evidence from First Nations groups in Nanaimo Monday the impact of marine shipping of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. File photo.

The Tsleil-Waututh Nation is the first to present oral evidence of the impacts of marine shipping of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion to the National Energy Board (NEB) in Nanaimo Monday.

The NEB held similar meetings in Victoria last week as part of its review of the environmental impact the project poses to increase the amount of bitumen shipped from Edmonton to Burnaby.

Starting Monday, new evidence will be heard in Nanaimo by the NEB through Thursday on the effects the pipeline expansion has on the marine environment and species at risk, including southern resident killer whales.

Tsleil-Waututh Nation, based in North Vancouver, said in a September statement its title and rights were not addressed in the original approval of the pipeline, which was rejected by the Federal Court of Appeal in August.

The First Nation said it will focus on the harm the pipeline expansion would bring to the community, including their cultural relationships with whales, and how the expansion, if approved, would violate Tsleil-Waututh laws.

The NEB is holding the hearings in response to the court’s decision to halt pipeline construction based on the federal government not adequately consulting with First Nations or considering the environmental impact.

Green Party Saanich North and the Islands MLA Adam Olsen, a member of the Tsartlip First Nation, will speak to the NEB at 3 p.m. after the Tsleil-Waututh Nation evidence is presented.

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