Former Insurance Expert Continues To Raise Questions Regarding Northern Gateway

Monday, July 9th, 2012

(Vancouver, BC) The BC Métis Federation has taken a position against the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline Project this past April and since this time has raised a number of serious questions about how the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) can be justified in their support of this project. One of the three reasons for the resolution against the project was that the project was not with the
environmental risks.

A recent article in the Times Columnist dated July 6th titled “Expert voices fears over oil-spill liability” provides more reasons for further  concern about the risk to Métis people and all British Columbians. The article is statements from Robyn Allan who was the former chief executive for the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC).

BC Métis Federation President Henry stated, “This article is a must read. What I believe is many Métis people in BC and Alberta likely do not fully realize Enbridge has structured the Northern Gateway Limited Partnership as a separate company. Essentially I understand that Enbridge will be one of a few owners and when and if a spill occurs how will this be addressed? Enbridge can claim their insurance will cover such costs, etc. but how is Northern Gateway Pipelines Limited Partnership going to function as a company? Who are the directors? What is the risk to any Aboriginal community who has signed on to the limited partnership.”

BC Métis Federation President Henry concluded, “The MNBC announced in May, as the Métis Provincial Council of British Columbia, that they are one of the equity partners and agreed to support the project. The MNBC letter makes statements that are inaccurate about the deal itself and BC Métis Federation will be making a submission to the Joint Review Panel this week to further address the MNBC’s improper
representation regarding this matter. MNBC leadership and staff do not communicate any of the proposed risks and this article raises a significant point that I hope all Métis people research and come to better understand, especially in light of the recent Enbridge spill in Alberta and the major fine for the spill in 2010 in Michigan.”

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 follow BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry on twitter @keithhenryMetis

[ilink url=”/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-Press-Release-July-9th-2012-Insurance-Expert.pdf” style=”download”]Download this press release in PDF format[/ilink]

[ilink url=”/wp-content/uploads/MNBC-Memo-to-Presidents-May-26th-Support-for-Enbridge3.pdf” style=”download”]Download the MNBC Memo to Presidents in PDF format[/ilink]

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