Simpcw First Nation speaks in support of Trans Mountain expansion

Apr 23, 2018 | 3:27 PM

KAMLOOPS — One-third of the Trans Mountain pipeline runs through the territory of the Simpcw First Nation.

As the debate over Kinder Morgan’s planned expansion of the pipeline rages, Simpcw’s chief and council are speaking out today.

Chief Nathan Matthew says the band has signed a Mutual Benefits Agreement (MBA) with Kinder Morgan, but not before a lengthy, comprehensive evaluation process.

Matthew says Simpcw is one of the Nations who stands to be impacted the most by the pipeline, but it also means a huge section of the project has the support of the nation holding Aboriginal Title to the land.

Matthew notes Simpcw leadership negotiated with Kinder Morgan for over two years, conducted their own environmental assessment and negotiated the MBA.

Once that was done, the issue was brought to Simpcw membership in a codified referendum, with 78 per cent voting in favour.

Councillor Don Matthew says if the project does not happen, the band will miss out on significant opportunities it worked hard to secure.

As for the provincial government, Chief Matthew says it has not reached out to the Simpcw First Nation since taking office, “perhaps… because Premier Horgan is only interested in speaking with those First Nations who align with his opposition.”

Matthew goes on to say he welcomes Horgan to speak to the Simpcw and other nations affected by the project.