It is now up to three federal appeal court judges to decide the fate of the Northern Gateway pipeline project - which, if constructed, would pass through Burns Lake.
Eighteen lawsuits against the controversial project - launched by a collection of First Nations, environmental groups and a labour union - were presented in the federal court of appeal in Vancouver earlier this month.
The litigation hearing concluded Oct. 8 with judges reserving their decision on whether to sustain or quash the government's approval of the project.
Enbridge Inc. proposes the construction of a 1200-km twin pipeline that would carry diluted bitumen from Alberta’s oilsands to B.C.’s coast, passing directly through Burns Lake. In June, 2014, the Canadian government approved the $7-billion project, but imposed 209 conditions recommended by the national energy board.
According to a Canadian Press story published by the Globe and Mail, during the six days of legal arguments in Vancouver, the court heard the government didn't get Aboriginal consent nor sufficiently considered the impact on the environment when it approved the project. Meanwhile proponents claimed a decision to overturn the pipeline approval would kill the project.
Enbridge’s Northern Gateway pipeline project has faced opposition from several First Nations groups across the province, including the Yinka Dene Alliance – an alliance of First Nations groups in Northern B.C. that have joined forces to ban the proposed project from their territories.
Wet’suwet’en Chief Karen Ogen spoke on behalf of the Yinka Dene Alliance saying all First Nations that were in court against Northern Gateway have broad support.
“We stand with the representatives of more than 100 First Nations that fully support the members of the Yinka Dene Alliance and other First Nations in court challenging the project,” said Ogen.
Lake Babine Nation Chief Wilf Adam and Burns Lake Band Chief Dan George have also said they were against Enbridge’s Northern Gateway.
Soon after the litigation hearing concluded, John Carruthers, President of the Northern Gateway pipeline project, released a statement saying he recognizes the company “still has more work to do” in order to achieve further First Nations support.
“After Northern Gateway received government approval last year, we were very clear in stating that we still had more work to do in achieving further First Nations and Métis support,” said Carruthers. “As stewards of the land, First Nations and Métis communities have a direct role in the environmental protection of lands and waters along our pipeline corridor and in marine operations.”
“Despite this litigation hearing, we remain committed to working collaboratively with the applicant First Nations and would be very pleased to develop mutually beneficial solutions with them. Northern Gateway is open to change,” he added. “We will continue to adapt and address First Nation and Métis concerns as they arise and seek opportunities for meaningful, respectful dialogue with all groups.”