ACFN pulls out of Grand Rapids hearing

The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation has pulled out of the regulatory hearing into the proposed $3 billion TransCanada Corp.’s Grand Rapids crude pipeline. In a news release, Chief Allan Adam cited the “impossible position” the First Nation was put in by the Alberta Energy Regulator, which is holding its first hearing since replacing the Energy Resources Conservation Board. Adam said the AER is flawed and had “seriously undermined our efforts to address any concerns about First Nations impacts,” referring to a lack of assessments and studies undertaken. ACFN calls the 500 km Grand Rapids pipeline the “mother of all pipelines” as it will feed the Energy East and Keystone XL pipelines. Grand Rapids would ship up to 900,000 barrels per day from near Fort McMurray to the Edmonton area. Landowners and environmental groups have also raised concerns over the development and lack of an environmental protection plan. In a news release, TransCanada noted it was “disappointed” with ACFN’s decision but that it will “ensure” the band is kept informed. Adam said ACFN will consider other avenues to challenge the Grand Rapids pipeline proposal.