A federal review panel has concluded that the controversial Northern Gateway pipeline project should go ahead if more than 200 conditions are met. Here’s a roundup of some of the reactions to the panel’s findings.
David Miller, president and CEO of the World Wildlife Fund:
"Today we are dismayed ... by the report of the Northern Gateway Joint Review Panel (JRP) which regrettably recommends the approval of the Enbridge pipeline proposal.
Arnold Clifton of the Gitga'at First Nation:
"All tankers en route to Kitimat must pass through our territory and we will continue to protect our resources and culture from the severe damage this project would cause."
Josha MacNab, B.C. director at the Pembina Institute:
“The joint review panel’s decision to recommend a conditional approval of the Northern Gateway pipeline proposal is disappointing, and is out of step with the concerns of many Canadians and the risks associated with this project.
“Without a credible plan to address greenhouse gas pollution and to ensure the oilsands are being developed in an environmentally responsible manner, building the infrastructure that enables rapid oilsands expansion cannot be in the public interest.
Mike Hudema of Greenpeace:
"It's disappointing that the panel chose to ignore the views of the vast majority of British Columbians, First Nations, and even the B.C. government who spoke against this tar sands pipeline because of the ongoing threats it would pose.”
Adam Scott of Environmental Defence:
“We are deeply disappointed, but not surprised, with the Joint Review Panel’s (JRP) recommendation to approve the Northern Gateway pipeline with 209 conditions.
“We have to ask, what conditions could you possibly put in place that would undo the catastrophic damage from a tanker spill in the stormy Hecate Straight? The panel’s recommendation flies in the face of overwhelming evidence, which informed the input of multiple interveners at the National Energy Board (NEB) hearings. There is no such thing as a spill-proof pipeline.”
Minister of Natural Resources Joe Oliver:
“Now that we have received the report, we will thoroughly review it, consult with affected Aboriginal groups and then make our decision. We also encourage everyone with an interest to take the time and review the report.
“Our Government will continue to improve the safe transportation of energy products across Canada. No project will be approved unless it is safe for Canadians and safe for the environment.”
Janet Holder, leader of the Northern Gateway Project:
"From the beginning of this project, Northern Gateway has worked with one goal in mind: to access new markets by building a safer, better pipeline."
B.C. Environment Minister Mary Polak:
"Economic development is important to ... all of Canada and B.C., but it can't be at the cost of our environment ... We are not yet in a position to consider support for any heavy oil pipeline in B.C."
Alberta Energy Minister Diana McQueen:
"As Premier Redford has said, opening new markets for our resources is Job 1 for our government and critical to our continued economic success. New markets mean we will receive higher prices for our resources -- creating and supporting more jobs, and generating higher royalties and taxes to help pay for the vital public services like quality health care and education that Albertans expect."
NDP MP Nathan Cullen, whose riding includes Kitimat, B.C.:
"Is a $10 billion spill worth whatever B.C.'s getting out of this -- which it said in this report is a little north of $1 billion over 30 years? It takes you 90 years to make the money back on one spill. That's kind of stupid."
Geoff Regan, federal Liberal natural resources critic:
"Today's decision by the joint review panel is deeply troubling. Canada needs pipelines to move our energy resources to domestic and global markets. However, these projects must earn the trust of communities, and cannot ignore aboriginal rights, nor can they place our lands, waterways and ecosystems at risk."
With files from The Canadian Press
