NDP MP rallies against Northern Gateway

NEWS — Pipeline politics are heating up in B.C. with the federal government expected to approve the controversial Northern Gateway project within weeks.

Skeena NDP MP Nathan Cullen launches his Take Back Our Coast tour of B.C. today to rally public opposition to the pipeline, a tour that includes a stop in Kamloops. Cullen holds a public meeting on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s on the Square. Robocalls went out on Monday announcing the event.

The proposed $7.9-billion pipeline would run through Cullen’s riding with a terminus at Kitimat. In a referendum held in Kitimat recently, a majority of residents opposed the project. Cullen maintains that a majority of B.C. residents as a whole are equally opposed.

Premier Christy Clark set out five conditions for B.C.’s approval of the project. Critics argue that none of those conditions has been met.

“The Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline risks our environment, threatens thousands of good jobs and is opposed by over 60 per cent of British Columbians,” Cullen states on his website.

A joint review panel recommended in December 2013 that Ottawa approve the project.