(OTTAWA) – Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada, released the following statement regarding today’s announcement by the BC government to retain Justice Thomas Berger as outside counsel regarding the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline project:
“It is very heartening to see the highly respected Thomas Berger hired as external counsel to advise the BC government on its opposition to the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline project.
“Thanks to the dedicated work of the BC Greens Caucus – MLAs Andrew Weaver, Adam Olsen and Sonia Furstenau – these verifiable benefits of the Supply and Confidence Agreement with the BC NDP are manifested today in a constructive decision to engage one of Canada’s leading jurists, known for his integrity since leading the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry in the 1970s.
“As someone who intervened in the National Energy Board process for Trans Mountain, and as a witness to numerous violations of rules of procedural fairness during that process, I’m heartened by the strength of court actions taken by the City of Vancouver, City of Burnaby, numerous First Nations and additional suits launched against this dangerous pipeline and tanker project.
“It’s also a positive step forward that the BC government will seek intervenor status in the federal case and will not allow action on permits already issued until Kinder Morgan has fulfilled its obligation to thoroughly consult First Nations.
“It is a new day in British Columbia, and the people of BC are finally being heard.”
- 30 -
For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Dan Palmer
Press Secretary | Attaché de presse
dan.palmer@greenparty.ca
m: (613) 614-4916