A Lakeland MP is sounding off as the federal government has announced a delay on any decision for the Trans-Mountain Pipeline expansion. The government announced Friday that the deadline for a decision on the expansion has been pushed back to June 18th. The original decision day had been set for May 22nd.
Lakeland MP and Shadow Minister of Natural Resources Shannon Stubbs responded on her Facebook page with a release, saying “…the majority of Canadians and impacted indigenous communities all support the completion of the Trans Mountain Expansion.”
The announcement comes as more discussion on Bill C-69 continues in the House of Commons as well as oil and gas communities. Stubbs rose in the house to say that the bill will not clear up Indigenous rights towards energy expansion.
“Bill C-69 does nothing concrete to improve Indigenous consultation, either by expanding the scope of their rights or by practically increasing the measures and expectations and standards for The Crowns’ duty to consult.”
Members of a coalition featuring Lakeland mayors and Chamber of Commerce executives met with senators to discuss the bill on April 10th. Stubbs says the legislation will bring big consequences to northern communities.
“[Whether it’s] Falling investment dollars in natural resources across Canada or limited essential services equipment and expertise to develop projects in the north; This flawed legislation will damage the North too.