A discussion about the Trans-Mountain pipeline expansion with South Okanagan-West Kootenay MP Richard Cannings and the public will take place in Penticton.
Cannings will be joined by fellow NDP MP Nathan Cullen (Skeena-Bulkley Valley) on Friday, Sept. 28 for the discussion with constituents at the Penticton Public Library.
A federal court ruling recently halted construction on the expansion, citing serious concerns with the environmental impact of the pipeline and tanker expansion, and a lack of meaningful consultation with affected Indigenous groups. On Friday, the federal government ordered the National Energy Board to bring recommendations on whether pipeline expansion should proceed.
Related: Feds launching review of oil tanker traffic in bid to renew pipeline approval
“I know that for many residents in Penticton and across B.C., the prospect of the Liberal government spending over $10 billion of tax payer’s money to build a pipeline is deeply troubling. A seven fold increase in tanker traffic not only increases the risk of an oil spill, which would be devastating for our coastline, but poses a direct threat to the survival of the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale,” said Cannings.
Poll: Are you for or against the Trans Mountain pipeline
“But more than just the immediate risks, the rush to ship out raw, unrefined bitumen speaks to a government that is not committed to fighting climate change. Imagine what this money could do if it was invested in clean energy, electric vehicle infrastructure and building retrofits,” added Cannings. “Instead of posing a direct threat to the thousands of jobs in the marine and tourism industries here in B.C., we could be helping to build a new carbon free economy.”
The expansion of the Trans-Mountain pipeline is opposed by a broad range of groups, including Indigenous communities concerned with the threat to the water and resources of their traditional land, and environmentalists opposed to government subsidizing fossil fuel industries that make it impossible to meet Canada’s global carbon reduction targets.
Related: Trans Mountain pipeline protestors gather outside Kelowna MP’s office
“I look forward to hearing from residents, and I hope that by showing up in large numbers we can send a clear signal to Prime Minister Trudeau that British Columbians are united in their opposition to this reckless expansion. We want to make it clear that being truly committed to fighting climate change, and reaching reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, is not achieved by spending billions on a pipeline,” said Cannings.
The town hall meeting will be held at the Penticton Public Library Auditorium on Friday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m.
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