(Vancouver, BC) The BC Mètis Federation passed a resolution in April 2012 in opposition to the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines project. The BC Mètis Federation opposition was based on three specific reasons; the lack of proper consultation for Métis people and communities in BC, acknowledgement of First Nations jurisdiction over their claimed territory, and project benefits not worth the environmental risk.
BC Mètis Federation leaders supported their strong opposition by undertaking community and regional discussions, corresponding with First Nation leaders in BC, and completing an extensive “Letter of Comment” submission as per the current regulatory review being completed by CEAA. The deadline for any letter of comment (https://gatewaypanel.review-examen.gc.ca/efile/LetterOfComment.aspx) is August 31st. BC Mètis Federation encourages Métis people throughout BC to take this last opportunity to register your views and it is an easy online process.
BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry stated, “The BC Mètis Federation letter of comment submission is extensive and thorough. We have examined the views of Métis people across this province and regardless of any future decision about this project, we will be sure the majority voice of Métis people is presented to the Joint Review Panel. The letter of comment exposes the role of the MNBC, Enbridge, and the Federal Government. Specifically our letter proves how dysfunctional MNBC is and how their incompetence continues to have very serious and negative effect on Métis people and their rights in BC.”
President Henry added, “The fact is MNBC does not represent all Métis people and what has been allowed and supported regarding consultation by the Federal Government and Enbridge for this project is completely unjust. Métis people are section 35 rights holders and we know today MNBC is engaged in other consultation processes and one can imagine the longer term consequences of such a flawed process. ”
BC Métis Federation President Henry concluded, “Our volunteer efforts and work speaks for itself. I hope Métis people read our submission carefully and take time to register their views to CEAA before August 31st online for the Joint Review Panel. Thank you all who participated and were open to discuss this difficult project. Today we know there was not timely, meaningful or transparent Métis consultation. We all need to put a stop to this and speak out. MNBC continues to benefit without a proper mandate and the BC Mètis Federation continues to call on proponents and governments to realize the impacts. BC Mètis Federation urges the Joint Review Panel to completely dismiss the Enbridge application project descriptions regarding Métis engagement and that the project should not proceed.”
For more information about the BC Métis Federation please view the website www.bcmetis.com.
Media Inquiries:
Keith Henry
President
BC Métis Federation
#300-3665 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2
Office 1-604-638-7220
Cell 1-778-388-5013
Email k.henry@bcmetis.com
You can now follow BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry on twitter @keithhenryMetis
[ilink url=”/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-Press-Release-August-9th-2012-Enbridge-Letter-of-Comment.pdf” style=”download”]Download this Press Release in PDF format[/ilink]
[ilink url=”/wp-content/uploads/BC-Metis-Federation-Letter-to-CEAA-August-9th-2012.pdf” style=”download”]BC Metis Federation Letter to CEAA August 9th, 2012[/ilink]
[ilink url=”/wp-content/uploads/BC-Metis-Federation-Enbridge-Resolution-FINAL3.pdf” style=”download”]BC Metis Federation Enbridge Resolution FINAL[/ilink]
[ilink url=”/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-Regional-Gatherings-March-May-2012-FINAL-REPORT1.pdf” style=”download”]BCMF Regional Gatherings March – May 2012 FINAL REPORT[/ilink]
[ilink url=”/wp-content/uploads/Survey_Results-_Enbridge_Nothern_Gateway_Pipelines_Project11.pdf” style=”download”]Survey Results- Enbridge Nothern Gateway Pipelines Project[/ilink]
[ilink url=”/wp-content/uploads/MNBC-Community-and-Committee-Correspondences-8-letters-August-9th-2012.pdf” style=”download”]MNBC Community and Committee Correspondences 8 letters August 9th, 2012[/ilink]
[ilink url=”/wp-content/uploads/Other-Mètis-Community-Correspondences-2-letters-August-9th-2012.pdf” style=”download”]Other Mètis Community Correspondences 2 letters August 9th, 2012[/ilink]
[ilink url=”/wp-content/uploads/MNBC-Natural-Resource-Act-20101.pdf” style=”download”]MNBC Natural Resource Act 2010[/ilink]
[ilink url=”/wp-content/uploads/Metis-Nation-British-Columbia-Consultation-Guidebook.pdf” style=”download”]Metis Nation British Columbia Consultation Guidebook[/ilink]
