Comments that federal Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver made recently has Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP questioning how objective his ministry is in regard to the Enbridge’s proposed Northern Gateway Project.
Oliver, who attended a meeting in Kananskis Alberta with other federal and provincial ministers recently, was quoted by the Vancouver Sun in not only supporting the need to diversify the markets but to support projects like the Gateway project “because it will open exports to Asia and China.”
This, Cullen says, despite the fact that 80 per cent of British Columbians saying no to tankers off the north coast, as well as a plethora of the population and numerous environmental groups who are against the pipeline project going through B.C. rivers, lakes, and mountains.
“It’s troubling to see a federal minister promoting a project that’s currently under review,” Cullen said in a press release.
The project, currently undergoing a review by a Joint Review Panel, will be submitting a report that the Ministry of Environment and National Energy Board will either approve or reject.
The National Energy Board is under Oliver’s purview as Minister of Natural Resources.
“I don’t know how people are supposed to put their trust in a review process when the Minister in charge is already saying he wants to build the pipeline,” Cullen said.
While Minister Oliver was unable to be reached for comment, in an email his office stated that their government on a whole supports diversifying Canada’s markets, but that when it comes to the Northern Gateway project they are awaiting the recommendations of the JRP.
“This independent process will ensure that the environment is protected and Aboriginal concerns are fully identified and taken into account,” the e-mail states.