Former INAC minister pushing Northern Gateway

Former Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada minister Jim Prentice is working with Enbridge to sell First Nations on the company’s Northern Gateway pipeline. “I am doing this because I believe that First Nations should be full partners in resource development and they should be owners of projects like the Northern Gateway,” Prentice said in a statement. “This project can bring jobs, economic opportunity, community development and educational opportunities to First Nation Canadians. This can be achieved while protecting the environment and respecting First Nations’ environmental priorities.”  Prentice told CBC News that he has been in touch with Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo and other Chiefs as well. The National Energy Board has set over 200 conditions for Enbridge to meet with the line. The federal government is expected to make its decision by June 2014.