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Enbridge asks for three year extension on Northern Gateway pipeline

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World Pipelines,


On 6 May, Enbridge Inc. filed a request with Canada’s National Energy Board (NEB) for a three year extension on its pipeline permit for the Northern Gateway, in order to gather supporters for the project through continued talks with native communities in British Columbia.

The pipeline will transport crude oil near Alberta to a deepwater port at Kitimat in British Columbia.

The permit will expire by late 2016 if construction of the pipeline or the Kitimat terminal has not begun.

Although Canada’s conservative government approved the pipeline project in 2014, there were over 200 terms and conditions the company had to fulfil: beginning construction before late 2016 was one of them.

Yet, despite the approval from the government, the pipeline has faced constant opposition from numerous communities.

After the company recently promised to increase Aboriginal equity ownership offers, Chief Stanley Thomas of the Saik'uz First Nation stated: “Enbridge is seeking an extension for Northern Gateway because the proposal has failed and it's desperate now. With the clock ticking on its expiry clause, Northern Gateway is making last-minute promises to First Nations, but our support is not for sale. We will not accept the environmental risks posed by Northern Gateway."

Similarly, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has requested the Minister of Transport and the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans ban oil tankers on British Columbia's north coast, stating the proposed pipeline has no place there.

Tribal Chief Terry Teegee of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, stated: "Needless to say we agree with Prime Minister Trudeau's statements of opposition to Northern Gateway, and we support his government's promise of an oil tanker ban.”

A NEB spokeswoman said Enbridge’s request has been received and will be reviewed soon.

Edited from various sources by Stephanie Roker

Sources: Wall Street Journal, The Globe and Mail, Calgary Herald

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/24052016/enbridge-asks-for-three-year-extension-on-northern-gateway-pipeline/

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