By Greg Fry with files from Canadian Press

Politicians and First Nations leaders weigh in on Trans Mountain decision

Aug 30, 2018 | 11:32 AM

KAMLOOPS — Plenty of reaction today to the Federal Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn the federal government’s approval of the controversial Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.

For her part, Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo Conservative MP Cathy McLeod said she was both “concerned and profoundly disappointed.”

“I’m worried that we’re heading into a state of paralysis in terms of being able to get projects done in this country,” she told CFJC Today. “It is absolutely unacceptable for taxpayers that this government — the Liberal government — paid $4.5 billion for this and apparently did not provide for an adequate consultation process.”

Kamloops-South Thompson Liberal MLA Todd Stone was also unhappy with the court’s ruling, noting his concern for the potential loss of jobs it may cause.

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“I’m disappointed; I’m frustrated. Mostly for the families in the Kamloops area and up and down the pipeline’s route in B.C. Families that were depending on the jobs that this project would provide and enables a lot of people to put food on the table.”

Whispering Pines-Clinton Chief Mike LeBourdais, a supporter of the project, says he wasn’t surprised by the decision, admitting the court’s contention that there wasn’t “meaningful consultation” with First Nations was correct.

“That’s exactly the problem, there wasn’t meaningful consultation and so these are the kinds of things that need to be done the next time around.”

He also suggests that with so much opposition to the pipeline expansion in the Lower Mainland, it’s now time to move its end point to another deep water port.

“That’s an option that needs to be explored,” said LeBourdais. “Burrard Inlet is packed right now and they’re (opponents) are fearful of that and you have to listen to that so if you can find another way to do it then maybe it can go ahead.”

Chief Aaron Sumexheltza of the Lower Nicola Indian Band was more measured in his response to the decision. His band signed a conditional agreement with Trans Mountain but not a final one.

“Part of me is surprised as a result of it but at the same time I knew that with so many First Nations in court that there was a real possibility that the court would rule as it did.”

Does he think today’s decision will kill the project?

“As a result of the decision, I believe that the project is definitely delayed. Whether it’s dead, we’ll have to wait and see what the federal government’s response is.”

As for the federal government’s response, Finance Minister Bill Morneau said today that the government still plans to push ahead with its purchase.

He also said the government is reviewing the Federal Appeal Court ruling carefully, but the judgment is long and he doesn’t have a response yet.

The court ruled the National Energy Board’s review of the project was flawed because it failed to consider impact on marine life.

It also said the federal government failed in its duty to properly consult with First Nations before giving the project the go-ahead.