Northern Gateway

There was little doubt the federal government would approve the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline project, regardless of public opposition or evidence presented against it. The prime minister indicated he wanted the pipeline built before the Joint Review Panel hearings even began. Ad campaigns, opponents demonized as foreign-funded radicals, gutted environmental laws, and new pipeline and tanker regulations designed in part to mollify the B.C. government made the federal position even more clear.

On Tuesday the federal government announced it would approve (with conditions) the Northern Gateway project; an ambitious pipeline project to take Alberta oil products to tidewater.

The federal cabinet’s approval of the Northern Gateway oil sands pipeline is a decision that could define our times. We are witnessing the final stages of a protracted wrestling match between our future and our past.

Federal Green party Leader Elizabeth May claims leaked documents show taxpayers are subsidizing the bid to build the proposed $6-billion Northern Gateway oil pipeline.

Brian Lee Crowley argues that Aboriginal opposition to the pipeline will wane if the federal government and businesses ensure they benefit appropriately from resource development.