Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE

Upper Nicola Band reaches working agreement with Trans Mountain

Nov 15, 2019 | 11:12 AM

SPAXMN / DOUGLAS LAKE, B.C. — The Upper Nicola Band and Trans Mountain have now reached an agreement surrounding the pipeline expansion project.

In a joint release from the band and Trans Mountain today (Nov. 15), the parties involved say the agreement will address “environmental, archaeological, and cultural heritage concerns that Upper Nicola has in relation to the Expansion Project.”

“UNB negotiating came up with the best deal possible under the circumstances presented. The bottom line is that Consultation process needs to change,” states Chief Harvey McLeod of the Upper Nicola Band. “We look forward to working with Trans Mountain to implement this Agreement honourably and in good faith.”

McLeod goes on to say that there are still a number of significant issues that need to be addressed within Canada.

“We continue to hold Canada to a consent-based approach consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” he says. “Canada still has a lot of work to do to recognize and respect Syilx title and rights, including our governance rights, and engage in consent-based dialogue with Upper Nicola and with our Nation.”

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The agreement reached will support the Upper Nicola Band being actively involved in emergency response and monitoring of the project, while mitigating potential impacts of the pipeline twinning on Indigenous interest and responsibilities within the Upper Nicola area.

The agreement will also allow community members to take advantage of job opportunities and benefits that come with the project.

Ian Anderson, President and CEO of Trans Mountain Corporation, says in the release that emergency response equipment and training are crucial for the Upper Nicola Band, and Trans Mountain, and the agreement makes sure that the two can protect the communities involved, and the environment.

“Trans Mountain deeply respects Upper Nicola Band and shares their vision of a strong and flourishing community and we are pleased to have come to an agreement with them,” said Anderson. “We are committed to building on our relationship with Chief McLeod and the community and supporting our shared goals of providing economic and environmental stewardship opportunities through the Expansion Project.”