Tsleil-Waututh Nation Applauds Adrian Dix and the NDP for Taking A Stand Against Kinder Morgan

TSLEIL-WAUTUTH/COAST SALISH TERRITORY, VANCOUVER, BC, April 22, 2013 – The Tsleil-Waututh Nation has been adamantly opposed to Kinder Morgan’s expansion of its Trans Mountain Pipeline since plans were first made public.  The existing pipeline runs nearly 1,100 km from the Alberta tar sands to Westridge Terminal in the Burrard Inlet, the core of Tsleil-Waututh territory.

“We applaud the strong leadership of Mr. Dix for making a clear decision in regards to the Kinder Morgan Pipeline.  We look forward to working with Mr. Dix and the NDP in protecting the economy and quality of life on behalf of all British Columbians against the high-risk business of pipelines and oil tankers,” said Chief Maureen Thomas of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. “Last Friday we signed an International Treaty to Protect the Sacred from Tar Sands Projects.  Our West Coast Pipeline Summit that followed the signing was attended by over 600 people, all of them eager to find renewable energy solutions and alternatives to crude oil exports. This is the kind of momentum that needs to grow for the benefit of future generations. This is the kind of leadership we need to get serious about building truly sustainable economies.”

Rueben George of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s Sacred Trust added, “People from all backgrounds enjoy Vancouver’s great quality of life and we need to unite to protect this environment for all of our future generations. The Tsleil-Waututh Nation continues to oppose the Kinder Morgan Pipeline Project. 350 tankers annually is a risk we are not willing to take and opposition to pipeline projects amongst British Columbians is growing. We are pleased that Adrian Dix and the NDP are now on the record with their opposition to the Kinder Morgan expansion.”