NDP Statement on the Federal Court of Appeal Ruling on the Trans Mountain Pipeline

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh issued the following statement:

“Today’s unanimous Federal Court of Appeal decision is deeply important for our country and for our future. It confirms what many First Nations communities and Canadians have been saying all along. The Liberal government has once again failed to live up to its promise, and its obligation, to adequately consult Indigenous communities. The Liberal government is not honouring the rights of Indigenous peoples, and what true reconciliation means.

This decision also confirms that the Liberals completely excluded any consideration of what this pipeline expansion project could mean for BC’s coastal communities. It did not consider what it would mean for marine life, or the thousands of people working in the tourism and marine industry whose jobs depend on a healthy coastline.

It is inexcusable that the Liberals decided to completely dismiss concerns of Indigenous communities and coastal communities.

We have said this before and we will say it again. Climate leaders don’t buy or expand pipelines. They don’t ignore the very genuine concerns raised by Indigenous and other communities directly impacted by pipelines. Or the people who pay the dearest price. The government never should have bought this pipeline. No matter what the Liberal government says, it is very clear to Canadians that this is not a sound investment. This is not in the national interest.

It’s time for the Liberal government to stop fighting with First Nations communities in the courts. The government must stop dismissing the very real danger this project poses for our environment. Expansion cannot go ahead, and the government must live up to its promise to work with Indigenous communities. It’s time for the government to invest in clean energy jobs and build an economy for the future.”