Dene chiefs oppose Northern Gateway pipeline
Dene chiefs in the North and Alberta have come out against Enbridge’s proposed Northern Gateway pipeline.
The 35 chiefs say the pipeline that would carry oilsands crude from Alberta through B.C. to the coast at Kitimat would be too environmentally dangerous.
Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus says they are worried about pollution from pipeline spills, noting a recent spill from an Enbridge pipeline near Norman Wells.
He says there have been more than 100 pipeline spills and accidents recorded in Canada in the past few years.
Mr. Erasmus also says the oilsands contribute to climate change, which he says is hurting aboriginal communities, culture, and their traditional ways of life.
Enbridge says the $5.5 billion project would create thousands of jobs and generate millions of dollars in taxes to local, provincial and federal governments.
If approved, construction would begin in 2013.