First Nations look to buy equity in pipeline to have say in project's future
Despite high-profile protests some indigenous Canadians believe only way to mitigate environmental impacts is through ownership
After Justin Trudeau’s surprise announcement that the Canadian government would nationalize a contentious pipeline, indigenous protesters have been among the most vocal in their opposition to the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project, arguing that the project trespasses on their territory and poses a risk to the environment.
Protests led by First Nations have amplified public unease of over the mega project – which will triple the flow of bitumen from Alberta to the coastal waters of British Columbia – as the country attempts to balance its fight against climate change with an economy driven largely by the energy industry.
But the project may soon find an unlikely group of investors: both the Athabasca Tribal Council and the Athabasca River Métis Council – a consortium of 10 communities – have offered to buy equity in the pipeline.
“This is not the indigenous community coming out and saying: ‘We’re pro pipeline.’ We’re pro Trans Mountain. We see the value in it,” said Ron Quintal, president of the Athabasca River Métis. “The only way we’re able to mitigate the environmental impacts is through ownership and having a say in these projects.”
The two councils recently met with federal officials, including the infrastructure minister, Amarjeet Sohi, to discuss their proposal.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jun/15/trans-mountain-pipeline-first-nations-offer-buy-shares
