Doug Eyford, the Harper-appointed Special Federal Representative on West Coast Energy Infrastructure to British Columbia and Alberta First Nations, was expected to host a meeting at the Best Western Dorchester Hotel in Nanaimo yesterday to review recommendations from his report, ‘Forging Partnerships Building Relationships: Aboriginal Canadians and Energy Development’.
The Mid Island chapter of the Council of Canadians reports, “Here are some pictures from (yesterday) morning and afternoon. There was lots of good support from passersby and the bureaucrats inside were very aware of our presence (thanks to the megaphone!). Eyford didn’t attend… Thank you to everyone who took time from their day to come out and make their voices heard – No Means No – No Pipelines No Tankers!”
The Facebook posting for the protest had said, “We are asking for a respectful presence outside of the meeting to publicly express our opposition to the proposed pipelines and increased tanker traffic along the coastline.”
In a media release, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip stated, “It is clear that Mr. Eyford listened to our communities as many, if not all, of his recommendations reflect the public positions and statements of many First Nations standing against Enbridge’s proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline and Kinder Morgan’s proposed expansion of their Trans Mountain pipeline. Unfortunately, many of his recommendations will be ignored. The Harper Government has time and time again demonstrated their jobs agenda trumps, ignores and arrogantly dismissed our constitutionally-enshrined, judicially-recognized inherent Title, Rights and Treaty Rights. The Harper government has consistently demonstrated a complete contempt for environmental values and concerns.”
And the Vancouver Sun has reported, “Art Sterritt, executive director of Coastal First Nations, an umbrella group that represents several Save the Fraser signatory communities, characterized Eyford’s work as a ‘serious effort to educate the federal government’ and a clear blueprint for what Ottawa needs to do to re-engage First Nations over future energy projects.”
The Council of Canadians opposes the Northern Gateway pipeline and the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.
