First Nations criticise Liberals pipeline review reforms

The Liberal government is changing the way Canada reviews pipelines and other resource projects, in a revamped process that considers future greenhouse gas emissions.

Several First Nations groups, as well as the mayor of Burnaby, BC, have accused the federal government of being captured by the oil industry.

The new review process seeks to promote public transparency and provides funding for First Nations consultations.

This week’s announcement was described as a “transition step” before the Liberals establish a permanent set of rules.

In a joint statement, First Nations leaders from BC, Manitoba and Quebec slammed the reforms to the resource projects review process, saying Ottawa needs to be prepared tougher when it comes to approving projects that cross First Nations territory.

Noting that they were not consulted about five new principles, the First Nations chiefs said that they remained opposed to current plans for pipeline expansion.

Edited from various sources by Elizabeth Corner

Sources: The Globe and Mail, CTV News, National Observer

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/regulations-and-standards/29012016/first-nations-criticise-liberals-pipeline-review-reforms/