Develop responsibly and give us a share, say chiefs

Another pipeline has been announced. This one is to be built by TransCanada Corp., heading west from Alberta to Quebec, and then to the eastern coast of New Brunswick where a deep water marine terminal is to be constructed by Irving Oil.

The Assembly of First Nations Chiefs of New Brunswick has already made its concerns and conditions known to both the provincial government and the companies involved.

New Brunswick chiefs say protection of the environment, both on land and in the water, is paramount. The proposed $300-million expansion to Saint John’s Canaport Deep Water Marine Terminal will result in increased tanker traffic and is of particular concern to both the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet First Nations.

The Inner Bay of Fundy salmon industry includes several important spawning grounds in that area, which are vital to the species. If the fishing industry is impacted, then so too is the exercise of Aboriginal and treaty rights.

“The chiefs are not anti-development, but they are first and foremost for sustainable environmentally-safe natural resource development,” said Michael Girard, communications officer for the chiefs. If those conditions can be met, then the chiefs are looking for revenue sharing arrangements.

“First Nations have the right, because these are being built on traditional lands.” He said the nations will want to benefit fully through revenue sharing.

TransCanada announced the $12-billion Energy East pipeline project on Aug. 1. If approved, 3,000 km of existing natural gas pipeline will be converted to carry crude oil, and an additional 1,400 km of pipeline will be constructed. As many as 1.1 million barrels per day could be sent to oil refineries and export terminals in eastern Canada. The project is expected to be completed by late 2017 for Quebec and 2018 for New Brunswick.
Support for the project has come from the Prime Minister as well as New Brunswick and Alberta premiers.

“I am very pleased … that Energy East is moving forward,” said Premier Alison Redford in a statement. “My government made a commitment to the project as part of our efforts to build new markets and get a fairer price for the oil resources Albertans own. This is truly a nation-building project that will diversify our economy and create new jobs here in Alberta and across the country.”

Now that the project has been announced, Girard said the New Brunswick government has a duty to consult with the First Nations. No schedule for meetings has been established.