Feds defend Pacific NorthWest LNG decision as court challenges filed
VANCOUVER — The federal government is standing behind its decision to approve the massive Pacific NorthWest LNG project, despite facing new court challenges and accusations that it has broken climate promises.
Two First Nations and an environmental group filed separate applications for judicial review in Federal Court on Thursday. The actions aim to quash the government’s approval of the $11.4-billion export terminal near Prince Rupert on Britsh Columbia’s northern coast.
The Gitwilgyoots Tribe and Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs allege the government failed to properly consult with them, while SkeenaWild Conservation Trust is challenging the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency’s conclusion that the project won’t have a significant impact on salmon.
Greg Knox, executive director of SkeenaWild, told reporters outside Vancouver’s Federal Court that the government’s decision to approve the project was disappointing given the “incredible promises” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made on climate change.